Incident 1: “The worst thing happened to me seven months ago. The “commandos” saw me inside the new port. They chased me around and I ran as if I were a cat. When they caught me and arrested me, I was immobilized and brought behind a corner where nobody could see us. This happens to all of us. Two “commandos” started beating me up. One of them is a bald one. They beat me all over my body with the batons, even in my face and head. I fell down, but they continued beating me up. They broke some of my teeth. Even though it has been months since then, I still have some scars and other injuries.” He shows us marks from beatings on his left eye and left cheek, on his head and on his right foot. His elbow seems dislocated, as if it had been broken and healed by itself. “I was very afraid. I was afraid that they might kill me. I felt helpless. There was nothing I could do and none I could call for help. I think “We come from a country at war, in order to find peace and we find ourthey beat us up, because they want to terrify us selves in the middle of violence.” to such an extent that we would never enter in the port again. When they stopped beating me up, they left me lying on the ground covered all with blood. I was in such pain that I could 55 not stand up on my feet. When I finally managed it, a tourist saw me in that state and gave me some money. I went to the hospital. At first Incident 1: they did not want to treat me. I started shou- “It is almost five months since I moved to Patras. ting and finally a doctor came and examined One week ago, I was inside the new port along me. I never managed to go back to the hospital. with two other persons. The “commandos” My hand was broken and the bone was remo- found us hiding under the truck. They pulled delled badly on its own.” me out. There were six “commandos” and one dog. I was the first. They started beating me up. They handcuffed me and kept on beating 54 me. They took off our shoes and threw them into the sea. They also took our mobile phones. “A month ago I was caught by the police near We never got them back. They forced us to sit the port. I was close to the Lidl Supermarket. down. I was handcuffed behind my back. We One officer handcuffed me and put one part were forced to lift our legs in the air and look of the cuff on the motorcycle. Then he officer upwards. They were shining their flashlights started driving up and down for about 20-25 directly into our eyes, blinding us. Then they minutes in front of everybody. It was around started beating us up again, while keeping insulting us. I have been beaten everywhere: in 2pm.” the head, in my stomach… everywhere. They were kicking us and beating us up with the batons. Next to me, close to my legs there was the dog. It was frightening. The most terrifying things in Patras for me are the dogs. Someti54 Interview held on May 12, 2012 in Patras mes the “commandos” unleash them and send 55 Interview held on April 3, 2012 in Patras 4.10. A., from Morocco 4.9. H., from Afghanistan 34 “Put yourself in my place. Imagine you eat from the garbage. What hopes would have you, if you were staying in Patras?” 35