PERVERSELY there was one positive thing to come out of the violence that took place on Larnaca’s sea-front. It sparked a public debate about attitudes towards immigrants, society’s responsibilities, the absence of government policies and, most worryingly, the growth of organised racism. This would not be of any consolation to the Turkish Cypriot man, who was stabbed and is in hospital, but the episodes have forced people to start talking about the immigration issue.
Political parties, which dictate the debate, all condemned the violence and expressed their abhorrence for racism some, admittedly, less forcefully than others. Some parties also pandered to the ultra-nationalists by expressing concerns about the increase in the illegal immigrants living off the state, supposedly the main concern of the marchers. But it was positive that the politicians were talking about the broader issue and exchanging ideas about what should be done.
But was it necessary to have a violent confrontation for our society to start talking about racism and immigration? The leaders of the migrants’ support group KISA appeared to have sought a confrontation with the ultra-nationalist group, Greek Resistance Movement which had organised the march against illegal immigrants. This was why KISA decided to change the venue of the Rainbow Festival from Limassol, where it was initially scheduled to be held, to Larnaca. And it chose the Phinikoudes sea-front, through which the racists would march in an event they had organised several weeks in advance.
In the end, there was a confrontation, even though KISA might not have expected it to turn violent, and plenty of publicity for the cause. But there was a cost – the condition of the stabbing victim, who required surgery, is serious while another 13 people were treated for injuries. KISA’s image may also have been tarnished by its ill-advised decision to offer a direct challenge to the marchers, with many people viewing it as an act of provocation.
While few would disagree with KISA’s objective to expose and discredit the racists, whose numbers seem to be rising, they would not necessarily agree with the methods. Street confrontations could also help racists attract more support. What is needed is a cleverer campaign strategy, which influences opinion-formers and policy-makers as well as attracting broader support. It is not an easy venture, but it is the only way to fight the crude xenophobia and racism that ultra-nationalist groups are using as part of their recruitment policy.
The ultra-nationalists will only get stronger if they are confronted on the streets. The fight against racism cannot be won there.
