AKEL warned for the dangers from neo-fascism’s rise

 

Statement by Georgos Loucaides, AKEL C.C. Press Spokesperson 

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 28th March 2014, Nicosia

 

AKEL has for some time been warning about the danger from the fascist activity of ELAM (Note: the Greek Cypriot “National Popular Front”, an ultra-right wing, extreme nationalist and anti-communist organisation formed in 2008) in Cyprus. Unfortunately, instead of the political forces and government taking our warnings seriously, they reacted by devaluing the danger and mocking AKEL. Instead of everyone acting pre-emptively, in retrospect and after already counting the damage and wounds to society and democracy, once again we act according to reflexes after the damage has been done.

Even belatedly, if and when the Anastasiades government acts decisively and effectively to stamp out any fascist and racist phenomena and situations, it will receive the support of AKEL.

It may be that the force of Nazi ideology in Cyprus constitutes a small marginal group, but the historical reality bearing in mind the activity of EOKA B proved that just a small minority can cause enormous, terrible damage and harm.

For AKEL, the stamping out and struggle against the extreme right-wing, Nazi ideology must be waged on two levels which should both aim at prevention.

Firstly, at the level of institutions of the government and state the bigoted sectarian ideology of fascism and racism must be isolated politically; an ideology which is the most repulsive human civilization has ever bred.

Secondly, we must resolutely from here onwards, prosecute and bring to justice all those who through their fascist actions are violating the laws of this state, since impunity has already led them to raise their heads provocatively.

It is within this context that AKEL has tabled the issue for discussion in the House of Representatives.

 

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FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

AKEL MP’S tabled the issue of ELAM’s activity for discussion in a letter sent to the relevant Parliamentary Committee of the House of Representatives on 16th October 2013

 

Inter alia, AKEL raised the following issues to be debated:

1. The admission by ELAM that it is a branch of the “Golden Dawn” party in Cyprus and the stance of the law enforcement agencies and authorities in Cyprus, on the occasion of the developments in Greece in relation to “Golden Dawn”. Briefing by the Minister of Justice and Public Order on the issue.

2. The intrusion of ultra-right Nazi groups in the organised fans sections of football supporters and ways of combating the phenomenon by the government and society and more specifically, by the organised competent agencies of sports and football.

3. The combating of the ultra-right-Nazi ideology of hate, violence, racism and chauvinism by the education system and the cultivation of a culture of tolerance and respect of diversity.

4. The intrusion of ultra-right organisations in schools and ways of tackling the situation.

5. The role of the mass media in the effective tackling of Nazi racist ideology.