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In Greece, the Ministry of National Defense have escalated their attempts to limit political expression within the Armed Forces. Soldier Manos Papageorgiou, serving at the 4th Recruit Training Centre on Samos, has been sentenced to 25 days’ imprisonment and removed from the Special Forces — not for misconduct, but for openly declaring solidarity with working people and farmers resisting economic hardship and militarisation.
The soldier publicly opposed a state budget that shifts billions toward NATO and increased armament programs, while continuing to cut resources essential for ordinary people — health care, education, rights in the workplace. He also expressed support for mobilized farmers who are demanding fair conditions for their survival and dignity.
For stating what many young conscripts and working-class families see every day, Manos is now being punished. This action sends a clear message: political conscience that challenges government priorities — especially those tied to NATO — is not welcome inside the barracks.
Yet the attempt to intimidate him has already sparked widespread discomfort and anger. Conscripts across units have expressed support for Manos, noting that the duty of a soldier does not include aligning with aggressive military strategies or staying silent while society is under strain. Trade unions and popular organizations have likewise denounced the penalty, calling for its immediate withdrawal and reminding that the children of the working class who serve in uniform retain their right to stand with their own people.
In a statement, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) stresses that this disciplinary action marks a worrying escalation of efforts to quash political intervention by conscripts on matters that directly affect the lives of workers, youth and farmers. The Party demands that all sanctions be cancelled and that Manos remain in his unit without further consequences.
For stating what many young conscripts and working-class families see every day, Manos is now being punished. This action sends a clear message: political conscience that challenges government priorities — especially those tied to NATO — is not welcome inside the barracks.
Yet the attempt to intimidate him has already sparked widespread discomfort and anger. Conscripts across units have expressed support for Manos, noting that the duty of a soldier does not include aligning with aggressive military strategies or staying silent while society is under strain. Trade unions and popular organizations have likewise denounced the penalty, calling for its immediate withdrawal and reminding that the children of the working class who serve in uniform retain their right to stand with their own people.
In a statement, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) stresses that this disciplinary action marks a worrying escalation of efforts to quash political intervention by conscripts on matters that directly affect the lives of workers, youth and farmers. The Party demands that all sanctions be cancelled and that Manos remain in his unit without further consequences.