"I have no oxygen" - Another Tempe rally in Corfu

Once again, the people's rage is an unstoppable river against the Tempe crime, the cover-up, and the government's indifference. Less than a week has passed since the dark anniversary of Tempe and the unprecedented, massive nationwide demonstrations of February 28, yet hundreds of people have once again flooded the streets.

People are expressing not only their anger, not only their despair for the country they live in and raise their children in, but above all, that they will no longer settle for anything less than justice and accountability for all those responsible. The residents of Corfu showed up in force, as the number of participants was once again overwhelming.

The demonstration began at Porta Reale, with the opening led by "Action of Solidarity," which presented a short performance inspired by and based on the poem "Be Silent and Don’t Speak" by Aziz Nesin, adapted with excerpts from the public discourse surrounding the Tempe tragedy.

"I can't breathe."
"Be silent."

"I have no oxygen."
"Shut up already!"

"I have no oxygen."
"Be silent, don’t speak, it’s shameful! Lower your voice. Be silent!"

This adaptation was an intensely emotional part of the rally, leaving the crowd speechless, with their only reaction being loud and relentless applause. It powerfully highlighted the suffocation of truth and justice, creating a deeply moving and heart-wrenching allegory. The phrase "I have no oxygen" symbolises the desperation of the victims as they slowly perished, experiencing the inability to breathe—the sensation of suffocation and asphyxiation. The loss of life, especially under such violent and unjust circumstances, is deeply tied to the need for a human voice and recognition. Nesin’s poem starkly contrasts this with the forced silence and suppression of speech, mirroring the government’s attempt to cover up this crime.

Following the performance, representatives from various organisations affiliated with the Workers' Centre delivered brief speeches, including the President of the Secondary Teachers’ Union (ELME), the Secretary of the Corfu Workers’ Centre, and the President of the Student Associations of the Ionian University in Corfu. Each speaker emphasised the importance of the rally in the fight for justice and the necessity of sending a clear message to the government—that the people will not stop fighting until the crime is fully investigated.

After the speeches, the march began, with banners held high and voices echoing through the central streets of the island. The next gathering was set for Friday, March 7, at 12 PM outside the High Schools.

ELENI KORONAKI

Photos: Enimerosi

A.L.