The revised privatizations programme

By @galaxyarchis, translated by @Krotkie

Five months after the freezing of the privatizations programme, and mainly further to zero results of the Development and Privatization of public property Fund (TAIPED), the file is back with great intensity. Privatizations are coming back to the new government's (New Democracy-PASOK-Democratic Left) agenda, which is evident in the Prime Minister's, Antonis Samaras, first speech.

The five-year (2011-15) program of privatization of Utilities Services and utilization of public property, was adjusted in early 2012, with the expectation of  gains of around 3.2 billion euros. Nevertheles, only two privatizations will be finalised by the end of 2012, the rest of them being postponed to 2013, when the programme will be accelerated with the target of gains will be set of 7,4 bns for the two years together.

Pogrom against Pakistanis at Nikaia

Translated by @iptamenos33

New attacks by extreme-right wing groups against Pakistanis took place last Friday and Saturday night in Nikaia (Piraeus suburb). After the threats and the ultimatums that were distributed amongst Pakistani shop owners by groups of the extreme right –Golden Dawn –according to eyewitnesses- and after the anti-racism demonstration of last Thursday, the racist groups struck again.

Human Rights Group rings alarm bell for HIV Positive women held in prison

By @zoemavroudi

“Their lives are in danger.” Human Rights Group rings alarm bell for HIV Positive women held in prison for alleged threat to public health

On April 29 2012, shortly before the Greek May 6 election, dozens of women allegedly working illegally as sex workers were rounded up and taken into custody by Greek police in Athens. Rapid HIV testing was performed on them by Greek authorities at police stations where they were told they were being led for identification purposes. They were subsequently diagnosed HIV positive and were charged with “the intention of causing heavy bodily harm” while photographs of 17 of them at first, were published on the official Greek police website.

The case has caused uproar both in Greece and internationally for what human rights groups have called a clear violation of international laws for the protection from the deprivation of one’s freedom, right to consent to medical testing and medical confidentiality.