Romanos denied prison furlogh

Nikos Romanos has once again been denied leave from prison to attend university. A Piraeus court ruled today against an appeal of an earlier decision to deny the 21 year old prisoner furlough to attend university course on the grounds that he poses a flight risk.

Nikos Romanos remains under guard in serious but stable condition in Gennimatas hospital in Athens. He launched a hunger strike 23 days ago protesting the decision to deny him prison leave to pursue his studies.

Yesterday demonstrators rioted in support of Romanos, after a peaceful demonstration, clashing with police in the area of Exarheia. Several vehicles were set on fire and riot police deployed teargas to disperse the protesters. At least six people were also reportedly taken into custody.

In response to the decision, Nikos Romanos has released a combative statement, accusing the Justice Ministry of waging a campaign to eliminate him and stating that he will continue his hunger strike.