Greece's supreme court on Tuesday examined the rejection of a furlough request by a hunger-striking extremist serving multiple life sentences for the killing of 11 people by Greece's deadliest militant organization.
Dimitris Koufodinas, a hitman for the now defunct November 17 group which killed 23 people from 1975-2000, has been on hunger strike for more than two weeks over the refusal of his request for a leave of absence from prison. He was moved to intensive care in a hospital in the central city of Volos last week.
Click to Gallery
Greece's supreme court on Tuesday examined the rejection of a furlough request by a hunger-striking extremist serving multiple life sentences for the killing of 11 people by Greece's deadliest militant organization.
The latest vandalism occurred in the middle of the day Tuesday, when a group of about 10 people threw red paint at parliament and set off a smoke bomb. Other targets have included the U.S. ambassador's home, banks, shops, political offices and police stations
The supreme court panel hearing the case is expected to issue a decision in the coming days. If it rules to accept the appeal against the denial, the case will be sent back to the Volos court which made the initial judgment for review. The supreme court itself does not rule on whether to grant the furlough.
A policeman speaks on his cell phone as red paint is seen on the wall of the Parliament building in Athens, Tuesday, May 21, 2019. A group of about 10 people threw red paint at parliament and set off a smoke bomb as Greece's Supreme Court heard an appeal against the denial of a temporary leave of absence from prison of a hunger striking extremist serving multiple life sentences for the killings of 11 people by the country's deadliest far-left group. (AP PhotoThanassis Stavrakis)
Tourists look the red paint on the wall of the Parliament building in Athens, Tuesday, May 21, 2019. A group of about 10 people threw red paint at parliament and set off a smoke bomb as Greece's Supreme Court heard an appeal against the denial of a temporary leave of absence from prison of a hunger striking extremist serving multiple life sentences for the killings of 11 people by the country's deadliest far-left group. (AP PhotoThanassis Stavrakis)
There has been a barrage of vandal attacks on high-profile targets in support of Koufodinas, 61, who was convicted in 2003 and was moved to a minimum-security agricultural prison last summer. He has received six furloughs since late 2017.
A policeman walks in front of the Parliament building as red paint is seen on the wall in Athens, Tuesday, May 21, 2019. A group of about 10 people threw red paint at parliament and set off a smoke bomb as Greece's Supreme Court heard an appeal against the denial of a temporary leave of absence from prison of a hunger striking extremist serving multiple life sentences for the killings of 11 people by the country's deadliest far-left group. (AP PhotoThanassis Stavrakis)
The latest vandalism occurred in the middle of the day Tuesday, when a group of about 10 people threw red paint at parliament and set off a smoke bomb. Other targets have included the U.S. ambassador's home, banks, shops, political offices and police stations
The Rouvikonas anarchist group claimed responsibility for the parliament attack, as it had done for the paint-throwing against the exterior of the U.S. ambassador's garden wall. Police said one person was arrested in connection with the parliament incident, while authorities launched an investigation into how the paint-throwers gained access to the building's exterior.
Tuesday's hearing, which was to determine whether Koufodinas' request should be re-examined, was held behind closed doors and with a heavy police guard. Supreme court prosecutor Xeni Dimitriou, who had ordered a review of the decision to deny the furlough, has argued even those serving multiple life sentences are entitled to leaves of absence from prison.
Red paint is seen on the wall of the Parliament building during Greek Presidential changing of the guard, at the tomb of the unknown Soldier in Athens, Tuesday, May 21, 2019. A group of about 10 people threw red paint at parliament and set off a smoke bomb as Greece's Supreme Court heard an appeal against the denial of a temporary leave of absence from prison of a hunger striking extremist serving multiple life sentences for the killings of 11 people by the country's deadliest far-left group. (AP PhotoThanassis Stavrakis)
The supreme court panel hearing the case is expected to issue a decision in the coming days. If it rules to accept the appeal against the denial, the case will be sent back to the Volos court which made the initial judgment for review. The supreme court itself does not rule on whether to grant the furlough.
Professing a mixture of Marxism and nationalism, November 17's victims included American, British and Turkish diplomats, Greek politicians, businessmen, police and a Greek student. Koufodinas has claimed "political responsibility" for the group's acts, and is serving 11 life terms.
He has vowed to continue his hunger strike "to the end" unless he is granted a new temporary prison leave. His previous furloughs and his move from the maximum security Korydallos prison near Athens to a minimum-security facility in central Greece were criticized by relatives of November 17 victims and U.S. authorities.
Red paint is seen on the wall of the Parliament building as Greek Presidential Guards, changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown Soldier in Athens, Tuesday, May 21, 2019. A group of about 10 people threw red paint at parliament and set off a smoke bomb as Greece's Supreme Court is hearing an appeal against the denial of a temporary leave of absence from prison of a hunger striking extremist serving multiple life sentences for the killings of 11 people by the country's deadliest far-left group. (AP PhotoThanassis Stavrakis)
A policeman speaks on his cell phone as red paint is seen on the wall of the Parliament building in Athens, Tuesday, May 21, 2019. A group of about 10 people threw red paint at parliament and set off a smoke bomb as Greece's Supreme Court heard an appeal against the denial of a temporary leave of absence from prison of a hunger striking extremist serving multiple life sentences for the killings of 11 people by the country's deadliest far-left group. (AP PhotoThanassis Stavrakis)
Tourists look the red paint on the wall of the Parliament building in Athens, Tuesday, May 21, 2019. A group of about 10 people threw red paint at parliament and set off a smoke bomb as Greece's Supreme Court heard an appeal against the denial of a temporary leave of absence from prison of a hunger striking extremist serving multiple life sentences for the killings of 11 people by the country's deadliest far-left group. (AP PhotoThanassis Stavrakis)
PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron warned Thursday that Europe could “die” if it fails to build its own robust defense as Russia’s war in Ukraine rages on, or if it fails to undertake major trade and economic reforms to compete with China and the U.S.
Macron urged Europeans to become more ambitious in a fast-changing world to face the challenges of war, fierce trade competition, energy scarcity, climate change and increasing authoritarianism.
In a nearly two-hour speech at Sorbonne University in Paris, Macron said that the continent is divided and “too slow and lacks ambition” at a time when the 27-member European Union needs to become a superpower, defend its own borders and speak with one voice if it wants to survive and thrive.
“Our Europe today is mortal,” Macron said. “It can die and that depends solely on our choices,” he added. He called on people to make those choices now because, “it’s today that Europe is between war and peace.”
Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, now in its third year, is an existential threat and Europe isn't armed enough to defend itself when “confronted by a power like Russia that has no inhibitions, no limits,” Macron said.
‘Our ability to ensure our security is at stake," Macron said. “Russia mustn’t be allowed to win.”
Europe now has the “good fortune” of having the Biden administration’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, Macron said. But, in a year of key elections around Europe, in the U.S. and elsewhere, support may fragment or disappear entirely, he added.
“Europe must become capable of defending its interests, with its allies by our side whenever they are willing, and alone if necessary,” Macron said.
Strong armies, a European rapid intervention program and force, tanks, a missile shield and other weapons, produced in Europe, will need the support of “a joint diplomatic force that will speak with one voice and build bridges with Africa and Latin America,” the French leader said.
“Only then will Europe show that it's not a United States’ lap dog, and that it also knows how to talk to other regions of the world,” he said.
France has been a firm supporter of Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, and Macron has often clashed with other Western leaders as he has insisted that Europe must stand by the country at any cost. The French president alarmed European leaders by saying recently that sending Western troops into Ukraine to shore up its defenses shouldn’t be ruled out.
Referring to trade practices of China and the U.S., Macron said “the two world powers have decided not to respect the rules of global trade” by shoring up protections and subsides while Europe’s industry remains open and is stuck in overregulation.
“Let’s do the same, we are in competition,” Macron said.
“We must buy faster, we must produce more and we must buy more that is made in Europe. That is key,” Macron said.
Thursday's speech came less than two months before a pivotal European Parliament election.
Macron, an avid advocate of a united and assertive Europe, also rallied support for his centrist Renaissance party before the June 6-9 vote as far-right parties lead the moderate coalitions in the polls. He called for safeguarding democratic values as the “authoritarian model” was becoming “more popular” across the continent.
The war in Ukraine and immigration are top priorities for European Union voters, according to polls. Far-right parties have gained support by criticizing Macron’s government policies on both issues. Macron acknowledged divisions on immigration policies, including on asylum and deportation rules for those who have arrived to Europe illegally.
He emphasized the need for an effective response and Europe-wide coordination for curbing illegal immigration, closer cooperation with immigrants' countries of origin and a unified, relentless fight against human traffickers.
Macron criticized the idea of striking an agreement, as Britain as done, with countries in Africa and elsewhere to transfer immigrants there.
“This is a betrayal of our values that ultimately leads us to dependency on other counties,” Macron said.
The British government earlier this week approved a law allowing the deportation of some migrants who enter the country illegally to Rwanda.
Macron lost his majority in France’s most influential house of parliament, the National Assembly, after the 2022 election to the far-left coalition and the far-right National Rally party.
The social situation in France remains tense as Paris prepares to host the Olympic Games this summer, amid protests from teachers and police officers, and farmer demonstrations in recent weeks. The protests follow huge rallies last year against Macron’s ultimately successful proposal to increase the retirement age from 62 to 64.
Barbara Surk reported from Nice, France. Lorne Cook contributed to this report from Brussels.
French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech on Europe in the amphitheater of the Sorbonne University, Thursday, April 25 in Paris. 2024. French President Emmanuel Macron will outline his vision for Europe as a more assertive global power at the backdrop of war in Ukraine, security, and economic challenges in a speech ahead of pivotal election for the European Parliament in June. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech on Europe in the amphitheater of the Sorbonne University, Thursday, April 25 in Paris. 2024. French President Emmanuel Macron will outline his vision for Europe as a more assertive global power at the backdrop of war in Ukraine, security, and economic challenges in a speech ahead of pivotal election for the European Parliament in June. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech on Europe in the amphitheater of the Sorbonne University, Thursday, April 25 in Paris. 2024. French President Emmanuel Macron will outline his vision for Europe as a more assertive global power at the backdrop of war in Ukraine, security, and economic challenges in a speech ahead of pivotal election for the European Parliament in June. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech on Europe in the amphitheater of the Sorbonne University, Thursday, April 25 in Paris. 2024. French President Emmanuel Macron will outline his vision for Europe as a more assertive global power at the backdrop of war in Ukraine, security, and economic challenges in a speech ahead of pivotal election for the European Parliament in June. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech on Europe in the amphitheater of the Sorbonne University, Thursday, April 25 in Paris. 2024. French President Emmanuel Macron will outline his vision for Europe as a more assertive global power at the backdrop of war in Ukraine, security, and economic challenges in a speech ahead of pivotal election for the European Parliament in June. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech on Europe in the amphitheater of the Sorbonne University, Thursday, April 25 in Paris. 2024. French President Emmanuel Macron will outline his vision for Europe as a more assertive global power at the backdrop of war in Ukraine, security, and economic challenges in a speech ahead of pivotal election for the European Parliament in June. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech on Europe in the amphitheater of the Sorbonne University, Thursday, April 25 in Paris. 2024. French President Emmanuel Macron will outline his vision for Europe as a more assertive global power at the backdrop of war in Ukraine, security, and economic challenges in a speech ahead of pivotal election for the European Parliament in June. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech on Europe in the amphitheater of the Sorbonne University, Thursday, April 25 in Paris. 2024. French President Emmanuel Macron will outline his vision for Europe as a more assertive global power at the backdrop of war in Ukraine, security, and economic challenges in a speech ahead of pivotal election for the European Parliament in June. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron arrives to deliver a speech on Europe in the amphitheater of the Sorbonne University, Thursday, April 25 in Paris. 2024. French President Emmanuel Macron will outline his vision for Europe as a more assertive global power at the backdrop of war in Ukraine, security, and economic challenges in a speech ahead of pivotal election for the European Parliament in June. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech on Europe in the amphitheater of the Sorbonne University, Thursday, April 25 in Paris. 2024. French President Emmanuel Macron will outline his vision for Europe as a more assertive global power at the backdrop of war in Ukraine, security, and economic challenges in a speech ahead of pivotal election for the European Parliament in June. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech on Europe in the amphitheater of the Sorbonne University, Thursday, April 25 in Paris. 2024. French President Emmanuel Macron will outline his vision for Europe as a more assertive global power at the backdrop of war in Ukraine, security, and economic challenges in a speech ahead of pivotal election for the European Parliament in June. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a media conference at an EU summit in Brussels, Thursday, April 18, 2024. European Union leaders on Wednesday debated a new "European Competitiveness Deal" aimed at helping the 27-nation bloc close the gap with Chinese and American rivals amid fears the region's industries will otherwise be left behind for good. (AP Photo/Omar Havana)
