The twisted fad of sit-ins
First, we must clearly define our terms so we all stay on the same page. Yesterday we did not see an «unexpected visit» by police unionists at Rigillis Street, we saw a takeover. The university sit-ins orchestrated by hooligans with political bravado, moreover, have nothing in common with that great time of resistance against the dictatorship. The 1973 seizure of the Polytechnic by students is legitimized as a reaction against a dictatorial regime. The sit-ins that have taken place since the restoration of democracy are illegal and, according to Greek law, punishable. Or should be. Unfortunately sit-ins have become something of a twisted fad. Students are tutored in the art from an early age; applauded even. The result is the takeover of public buildings – and now party headquarters – over any slight demand. Illegality has become socially legitimized and no one dares challenge it as a form of struggle any longer. We must be clear. Sit-ins are not legal. The right to free expression can be exercised in many other ways without infringing on the rights of other citizens. And this is where the political powers must clarify their positions. Either they are in favor of applying the rule of law or they are against the law.
