Police forces have evicted an 82-year-old disabled man and his family from the house they built and lived in for half a century. The eviction came at a time when a temporary court order allowed the family to remain in their home until February 2024.
Wrapped in blankets and sitting in his wheelchair, an old man, his wife, hastily packed clothes in plastic bags and a dog found themselves on the autumn street of Nea Flogita in Chalkidiki, northern Greece.
The transport company loaded the furniture onto the truck.
In addition, the police threatened the man’s daughter and son that they would “get into trouble” if they continued to lift the eviction. This process mobilized neighbors, solidarity groups and some trade unions, who rushed to prevent the action, as was the case six months ago. In vain.
Police reportedly charged at protesters, and a photo showed the president of a local construction union being restrained by police. The evicted family and solidarity protesters complained that police also used violence against their daughters, resulting in one of them having bruises and cuts on her arm.
The police have already evicted The family of the disabled Theophilos in the past, but they returned to the house in which they lived for the last 53 years and raised their three children, thanks to a temporary court decision in their favor.
Last May, Greek society was shocked by a picture of Theophilos sleeping for 56 days in the courtyard of his house. During the first eviction attempt, the police and the new owner changed the locks.
In a conversation with journalists from a local publication halkidikipolitiki.gr Theofilos said an interim court order handed down in July meant they would remain in their home until February 2024. After a positive court ruling, the family returned to their home, but today the new owner, along with the Greek police, has another plan.
“I have nowhere to go, I’ll wait here,” the man emphasized. He lost his home because he was the guarantor on his son’s bank loan, which he could no longer service. The bank sold the “red” loan to a fund, which put it up for auction, and it went to a businessman from Israel.
The local community and trade unions in the area are not giving up and are calling for a gathering in Nea Flogita once again, early Tuesday evening.
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