Denying Ethnic Identity: The Macedonians Of Greece
by Human Rights Watch
Although ethnic Macedonians in northern Greece make up a large minority
with their own language and culture, their internationally recognized
human rights and even their existence are vigorously denied by the Greek
government.
Free expression is restricted; several Macedonians have been prosecuted
and convicted for the peaceful expression of their views. Moreover,
ethnic Macedonians are discriminated against by the government's failure
to permit the teaching of the Macedonian language.
And ethnic Macedonians, particularly rights activists, are harassed
by the government - followed and threatened by security forces - and
subjected to economic and social pressures resulting from this harassment.
All of these actions have led to a marked climate of fear in which
a large number of ethnic Macedonians are reluctant to assert their Macedonian
identity or to express their views openly.
Ethnic Macedonian political refugees who fled northern Greece after
the Greek Civil War of 1946-49, as well as their descendants who identify
themselves as Macedonians, are denied permission to regain their citizenship,
to resettle in, or even to visit, northern Greece. By contrast, all
of these are possible for political refugees who define themselves as
Greeks. Greek courts have denied permission to establish a "Centre
for Macedonian Culture". Ultimately, the government is pursuing
every avenue to deny the Macedonians of Greece their ethnic identity.
Denying Ethnic Identity: The Macedonians of Greece is available through
the Australian agent, Pollitecon Publications, for $15, which includes
postage and handling. Overseas airmail is A$21.
Denying Ethnic Identity: The Macedonians of Greece, Paperback, 92 pages,
230 x 154mm, Published by Human Rights Watch 1994, Price in Australia
A$15 including postage and GST, Overseas airmail A$21, ISBN 1-56432-132-0
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