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Sun, 01 Apr 2007
Extremism Trying to Masquerade As the Revival of a Ghost Ideology
The above photo is that of the defacing of the headquarters of KISA (Action for Equality, Support and Antiracism) in Nicosia. I have written about KISA in the past and applauded their efforts. The use of Nazi symbols by presumably young, extremist, (Greek) nationalist persons and organizations is not new. Like their European cousins these kids are trying to masquerade their own bigotry and extremism as the revival of a ghost ideology. They are nowhere near the complexity, brutality and evil-genius of the Nazis. They are in reality nothing but a small group of extremists who could not even create their own, local ideology , so they are instead relying on on that ghost ideology. It is up to the society and the government to shun these people, to minimize their effect, to marginalize them. Unfortunately, the reactions of Republic of Cyprus to the latest human rights reports about Cyprus are not very encouraging to this end.
As I once said about the "gray wolves", the "blue wolves" will also have to be dealt by the "bears" .
(see below for the article that appeared in Cyprus Mail)
http://www.cyprus-mail.com/news/main.php?id=31623&cat_id=1
Extremists target KISA
By John Leonidou
A FASCIST group is believed to be behind the vandalising of KISA (Action for Equality, Support and Antiracism) headquarters in central Nicosia.
According to the centre’s managers, the vandals sprayed swastikas on the doors and walls of the colonial building headquarters in the old Nicosia area. The walls of the building were also sprayed with the slogan ‘Zito to ethnos’ (Long live the nation).
KISA officials yesterday pointed out that it was the first time that the group have been physically targeted by a neo-fascist or neo-Nazi organisation. “These people usually seem to target Turkish Cypriots.”
Two weeks ago, a group of around 30 fascist youths gate-crashed a bicommunal event. Enraged by the event, the youngsters shouted nationalist slogans and waved flags at the demonstrators. Some were also caught on camera making Nazi salutes to the demonstrators.
KISA press officer Doros Michael says it is the first time a right wing organisation has specifically targeted a centre in Cyprus harbouring and aiding immigrants and refugees.
“We believe that this attack is most likely linked to recent events that were organised between March 17 and 25,” said Michael. “We had staged some events in a European week aimed at raising awareness against racism.
“We know from what has happened in Greece and it is vital that as a society we do not allow organisations like these to get stronger. We know that they are not that strong because they targeted us at night.”
The situation is still worrying and Michael noted the necessity for public awareness to stamp out the problem before it escalates into catastrophic proportions.
“We believe the best way to tackle organisations like these is by creating awareness in schools, universities, colleges and places of employment. We have seen a recent rise in the activities of organisations like these with examples being the attack of Turkish Cypriot pupils at a school and in other areas on the island.
He continued, “We mustn’t let them get away with it. We need to pull together as a society and stop them before the problem escalates.”
The KISA centre hosts around 30 to 40 people from morning to night at the centre including a further 20 people a day for its internet caf?.
“It is a very active centre and many friends and members visit the centre on a daily basis for cultural events and the like,” added Michael.
KISA officials said they did not notify the police over the incident, saying they believed it was more important for them to contact the media and create public awareness over the issue.
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