Cyprus Action Network of America  (CANA)

CENSORSHIP BY AKTINA FM AND ELENA MAROULLETIS

For  Immediate Release: July 27, 2008

NEW YORK—The Cypriot community asks AKTINA FM’s Elena Maroulleti to provide an answer as to WHY Elena Amroulletti,  censored any and all notices and announcements about her radio production, AKTINA FM, about our July 20^th, 2008 demonstration against the Turkish Embassy in Washington DC, including our offer of a FREE BUS from Astori. Elena Maroulleti ‘s censorship has raised grave concerns about her own ethical standards and commitment as a public interest radio outlet for our community. Elena Maroulleti censored news and announcements from her own community, from her own supporters on the Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA) July 20^th 2008 Hands Off Cyprus 2008 demonstration, which was aired on the CBS affiliate (WUSA9) in Washington, in the July 20th evening broadcast.   Elena Marouletti  continues to deny any knowledge of the July 20^th 2008 demonstration that achieved American network television coverage to mark July 20th  2008 as “the 34th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus”  Effectively, Elena Maroulletti censored news on Cyprus by her very own community which was covered by CBS on July 20th, and before July 20^th by the National Herald Greek American Daily Hellenic and English edition, by Greek News, and by newspapers, blogs and websites across the diaspora and in our homelands.

We provide, a vast spectrum of community member letters sent directly to Elena Maroulleti, followed by Elena Maroulleti’s  emails to us documenting her denial  of the one of the most monumental demonstrations to ever mark July 20th  2008 as “the 34th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus” covered by major American television network CBS. Finally we ask, that you follow up with our action alert and ask Elena Marouletti to admit to her censorship, to end her denial, and to make a public apology to the entire community.

1)  Community member letters sent to Elena Marouletti Email: aktina@aktina.org

2) Elena Maroulleti  emails denying the censorship .

3) ACTION ALERT: Letter writing campaign asking Elena Marouletti to admit to her censorship, to end her denial , and to make a public apology to the entire community.

1)  COMMUNITY MEMBER LETTERS SENT TO ELENA MAROULETTI Email: aktina@aktina.org

Date: Fri, 25 Jul 2008 21:39:00 -0400

From: "Gus Kane" <kane67@gmail.com>  To: aktina@aktina.org

Subject: Re:AN OPEN LETTER TO ELENA MAROULLETI

Dear Host of Aktina FM:

My name is Kostas Kanellopoulos a 33 yr old married Greek-American living in NYC.

As i started to get involved with Hellenic issues just like the ones i have heard you talk about on your shows many times,

i had the honour to meet Mr Nikolaos Taneris and other members of his organization he was someone who i researched before i met and after meeting and discussing with him have absolutely no doubt that he is a true patriot and an individual that is most important of all a YOUNG! Greek-American activist with a selfless heart  that we are in short supply of.

I truly hope that there is an explanation for your not promoting his protest that was organized by the youth that is the future of our country.

A protest against turkey is not a hard thing to get behind and everyone can do their part especially you that for better or worse have inherited a radio program such as it is.

So what is your agenda and why or who made you not want to support these young Greek-Americans that spent their time, money and effort to help your country as many of these young people involved do not trace their ancestry from Cyprus! 

Did a donation cause the censorship? your action leaves many doors open as to your motive.

I will leave you with a poem that i hope you can appreciate from a true patriots parent and remember that the old people giving each other awards should be at home drinking chamomile not being traitors to their race.

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From:  "Ioannis Fidanakis" <panthracian@yahoo.com> 

Subject: Open Letter to Elena Maroulleti from President of Panthracian Union of America "Orpheus"

To: aktina@aktina.org

Dear Elena Maroulleti,

I never thought one day I’d be writing such a letter to you, an act which saddens me deeply; however I feel that it is necessary. Recently, Saturday July 25th 2008, I happen to ketch a program on AKTINA FM, about Kypros and what was done by PSEKA on its July 20th anniversary of the Illegal Turkish Military invasion of the island. Like always I was proud to hear such things being discussed on the air to keep our community informed and educated on our national issues. Something I’ve always thought AKTINA FM has done an excellent job with, and because of such I as President of Panthracian Union of America ‘Orpheus’ have advocated continued support and funding for your programs. However, I was a bit confused as to why no mention had been made of another patriotic event held on the same day in Washington D.C. by Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA), an event that I participated in and was helped organized by Nikolaos Taneris, a member of the Board of Directors of Panthracian Union of America . This event was far more important and successful then anything PSEKA did that day. It was the CANA protest outside the Turkish Embassy that achieved U.S. Media attention on such key networks as CBS. This censorship of CANA’s activities led me to call in to ask just why nothing had been said about CANA ’s actions. A phone call, which I must say has left a bad taste in my mouth for AKTINA FM. I was rudely told that AKTINA FM had not been informed about the event and that there were no live calls being taken and hung up upon. I find it very hard to believe that an event publicized in the National Herald, throughout the internet, and plastered on fliers across Astoria , could have been overlooked by the Hellenic-American Media, while American TV stations were aware and present. I personally feel offended by AKTINA’s censorship and rude behavior towards this event and me, personally. I will be sure to remember this when Panthracian Union of America is asked to open its heart and pocket to keep AKTINA FM on the air.

Respectfully,

Ioannis Fidanakis

President of Panthracian Union of America “Orpheus” 

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From: Alex A [mailto:malista9@hotmail.com]

Sent: Sunday, July 27, 2008 12:50 AM

To: cana@cyprusactionnetwork.org; aktina@aktina.org; malista9@hotmail.com

Subject: Censoring July 20th Protest was An Error.....

Dear Elena of Aktina,

     I participated in the July 20, 2008 peaceful protest at the Turkish Embassy in Washington DC.

I feel somehow that Aktina is responsible for the low turnout for not offering a public service announcement to the Greek Americans who have came out for the protest.

     Remember, I am former radio talk show on international human rights. I listen to alot of

American talk radio. I remember a situation that arose in Afghanistan in the summer of 2006.

A Muslim convert to Christianity was being sentenced to death. Talk Radio on

630 AM of Washington DC heard about this. Some Christian activists called into the radio talk show host and said that there will be a Protest at the Afghanistan Embassy in Washington DC.

    The radio talk show host announced the protest at the Afghanistan. From this, media took hold

of a Christian man being sentencing to death in Kabul for converting to Christianity. Many people attented the protest in Washington DC. The whole world noticed because of this one protest at the Afghani Embassy in DC. The Afghani government was embarrassed and released the man for him to immigrant to Italy.

    So, yes, Elena, protests have been announced before on talk radio. The Cyprus cause

needs to garner public attention to expose the Turkish Government for their 34 year invasion and occupation. You could have played a role to expose the Turkish government, but instead you chose to be silent about the July 20th protest. Your silence contributes to the continued Turkish occupation of Cyprus. Bravo, what have you accomplished? Tipota.

    Sincerely,

     Alex Aliferis

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This following letter is from Hellenic poet and write Sevasti Boutos, the pdf version is available for download here

http://cyprusactionnetwork.org/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/NTROPI-STA-ERTZIANA.208200614.pdf

From:  "Sevi Boutos" <sevi_boutos@yahoo.com> 

Subject:  Re: Logokrisia h adiaforia?

To: aktina@earthlink.net

Γράφει η Σεβαστή Μπούρα- Μπούτου

Λογοκρισία η αδιαφορία;

Επειδή η ζωή  μας είναι μια σκηνή θεάτρου, όπου ο κάθε ηθοποιός αγαπιέται με την ικανότητά του να κρύβει η να φανερώνει τα δάκτυλά του, για να τον χειροκροτά ο κοσμάκης, έτσι και τα  Ελληνικά Μέσα Ενημέρωσης τής Νέας Υόρκης, που εκπέμπουν ήχο, παίζουν το θεατράκι τους.

Όμως αγαπητοί μου, όποιοι κι αν είσθε εσείς που αντιπροσωπεύετε ένα  φωνητικό  πομπό, ο λώρος που μας δένει με την γενέτειρα δεν εξαγοράζεται με το εισητήριο μιας θεατρινίστικης εκπομπής, αλλά υπάρχει επειδή υπάρχει η μάννα που κυοφόρησε. Κι αυτή η μάννα έχει χάσει πολλά παιδιά.

Αν είσαι ραδιόφωνο, ο μόνος τρόπος να κλάψεις αυτά τα παιδιά, είναι να σπέρνεις το Λόγο για βάλσαμο στις καρδιές τών ανθρώπων. Ακόμη τινάζεις στον αέρα, μια φορά το χρόνο, αυτούς που κρύβονται από πίσω σου για να κρατάς στο χέρι το μικρόφωνο.

Δεν έπραξες αγαπητό ραδιόφωνο το αυτονόητο. Το αυτονόητο ήταν, ότι φέτος, για δεύτερη χρονιά, μια οργάνωση που υποτιμάς, έκανε μια ειρηνική διαδήλωση μνήμης, για τα 34 χρόνια της εισβολής τών Τούρκων στην Κύπρο, έξω  από την Τουρκική πρεσβεία στην Ουάσινγκτον, που από ό,τι γνωρίζω δεν έχει γίνει ποτέ στα χρονικά από  το 1974.  Δεν έκανες λοιπόν τίποτε να το ανακοινώσεις, παρόλα τα τηλεφωνήματα που έλαβες από αρκετούς ανθρώπους. Τελικά διερωτώμαι, πώς τα  ξένα μέσα ενημέρωσης,  όπως το CBS το έβγαλε πρώτη είδηση το ίδο βράδυ, και εσύ ελληνικό ραδιόφωνο δεν το έβγαλες;

Σταματήστε επιτέλους κύριοι και κυρίες τού ήχου, υπερήχου  και αποήχου να παίζετε τραγουδάκια για «το λαιμό τής Ελένης» που λέει και ο Ελύτης. Ο λαιμός τής Ελένης γέρασε και ρυτίδιασε από τότε που πήγε στην Τροία με τα ξένα αγρίμια για να παίξει στα ζάρια  τίς ψυχές ακόμη και αυτών που προσκύνησε.

Έλεος επιτέλους! Οι δικοί μου δυό άνθρωποι, που χάθηκαν στην Κύπρο, δεν έχασαν σπίτια αλλά την ίδια την ζωή  τους. Ο  Μιχάλης ο κτηνίατρος, όπως έχει μείνει στα χρονικά η αναζήτησή του, που ήταν και Κύπριος, είχε δυο παιδιά στην Θεσσαλονίκη και επισκέφθηκε την μάννα του εκείνο το καλοκαίρι.Παρόλες τις φωνές της να γυρίσει πίσω στην Ελλάδα, αφού ήταν και προστάτης οικογενείας, έφυγε στο μέτωπο και αγνοείται ακόμη. Ο άλλος, το φιλαράκι μου, ο Μπάμπης ο Γλαρέντζος,  Ελλαδίτης που υπηρετούσε τη στρατιωτική του θητεία, θεωρείτο αγνοούμενος μέχρι που πριν λίγους μήνες . Τα κόκκαλά του βρέθηκαν, και θάφτηκε στην ιδιαίτερη πατρίδα μας τα Μελίσσια Αθηνών.

Κι εσύ  χτενίζεσαι ωραία Ελένη, στους ωραίους καθρέπτες της Τροίας, για να μη χάσεις το χρυσάφι τών πλούσιων Τρώων.

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This letter is from established and beloved Cypriot community activist Andreas Savva

From: "Andreas Savva" <andreas.savva@arctech.net> 

To: aktina@aktina.org

Subject: Open letter to Ms Elena Marouleti

Dear Ms Elena Marouleti,

I am writing this letter to you to express my disappointment on the way you’ve handled requests to inform the public about the July 20th, Demonstration in Washington DC against the Turkish Invasions and Occupation of our homeland Cyprus, and your refusal to inform the public about a free bus, which was donated by a high ranking member of our community, and took people to Washington DC from the Stathakion Center in Astoria.

We had our differences in the past, and I need to stress this out, this is not because of our differences. Differences of opinion are good in a democracy, as long as we deal with our differences as civilized and mature individuals. I will attempt with this email to relate to you how wrong you were and to ask that you offer a public apology.

Let me remind you of a few situations in which your actions were wrong, in my opinion:

A number of years back; I was serving on the board of Directors of the Cypriot Student Association of America (EFOKA). We had decided to have a memorial service for my childhood best friend and your cousin, I believe, Panikos Demetriou. Panikos was brutally killed by the British military during a demonstration at Akrotiri British Military Base. Â We requested from you to make free public announcements for the memorial service and the event following the religious service and you refused. Â Were you wrong refusing to announce the event?  This is something that I would let you ask yourself and deal with this question for the rest of your life.

A few years ago Mr. Raouf Denktash, the then pseudo-president of the pseudo-state TRNC, was visiting New York, and you interviewed him on the air. I still remember the public outrage when you had referred to him with the title “His Excellency”. Were you wrong back then? I think you were, but again, I will let you keep asking this question to yourself.

Your beloved mother, may her memory be eternal, was a frequent listener to my radio show. In one particular case, I made the mistake to recognize her by her last name, and she immediately stopped me by saying she was not Mrs. Loukia Marouleti, and she called me again once off the air to inform me that you were not happy when she was calling my radio show, and not to recognize her on the air because it will upset you. In respect to her wish only, I accepted her request and never mentioned her name on the air again. I occasionally go back and listen to your mother’s commentaries from recordings of my show, and I question myself… Were you right or wrong censoring your own mother  to listen on the radio and whether or not to call me on the air and discuss the Cypriot Culture, History, and most of all the Cypriot Dialect that she so much loved?

Finally, on July 20th last week, you were asked to inform the public about a bus that was donated by a high ranking member of our community, so people can participate in the demonstration outside the Turkish Embassy in Washington DC. The event was organized by Cyprus Action Network of America, and was supported by many other community organizations. Were you again wrong not making a public announcement informing people about the demonstration and the free bus outside the Stathakion Center?

In one of your responses to a CANA member that I’ve happened to read, you were so concerned about UNITY in our community. What you did not know is that it took many efforts and hard work to maintain that unity. We finally were able to get members of CANA and members of the leadership of the Greek-Cypriot community together on the same table and talk out their differences. Were you aware of this? I very much doubt it.

Were you aware that one of these outstanding members of our community supported financially the CANA event? Again I very much doubt it. But in any case, whether the event was supported by all or by a few; it was your duty as a producer of a program that is aired on public airwaves to at least make the announcement. Censoring it on your own judgment, because you probably did not like to do so, or because as you said, you did not know the group that was organizing the demonstration in Washington DC for 2 years in a row, is insulting to say the least. Insulting because one of the journalists that works on your show (Demetris Robotis), not only is very much aware of CANA, but in email communications he had with them, was offering his opinion in a professional and civilized manner.

We live in a pluralistic society and everyone’s opinion is welcomed. If you would like to be called a producer of public service programming, then act like one, without censorship, serving the public interests only.

Respectfully,

Andreas Savva

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The following is from John Soudas, a strong CANA supporter who travelled to Washington DC to participate in the HANDS OFF CYPRUS 2008 Protest Against the Turkish Embassy, all the way from Seattle , Washington USA.

From: John Soudas To: aktina@aktina.org Sent: Sunday, July 27, 2008 4:06 PMSubject: The Turkish Embassy Protest, July 20th 2008... Response to your purported voiced opinions

July 27th, 2008

To Ms.  Elena Maroulleti,

I understand that you and your media outlets have taken a position to censor the July 20th 2008 demonstration at the Turkish embassy.  I heard that in private you and your cronies are privately "ranting at“those that organized and led the protest at the Turkish Embassy.  What nonsense is this?  Maybe you can confirm this yourself if I am mistaken in this characterization of your comments.  If my characterization is correct then my comments below apply.

 I suppose that you are against this because it is anti-Turkish? 

Maybe you are one of those Cypriots that believe that Cyprus should give up their sovereignty, surrender its National Guard to the Turks, give up 50% of its governing apparatus and tax dollars to the Turks and accept the Turkish army to rule over all of Cyprus for another 30 years.  And I failed to mention that not only are we talking about all these take aways and more but all this is to benefit just 3% of the Greek Cypriot population leaving 97% of the Greeks on Cyprus defenseless and out in the cold.

It is never easy to understand the motives of someone who controls the community information, but I can only conclude the following about your words and actions:

·        YOU must be an avid Turko-phile (Turk appeaser), who buys the STATE DEPARTMENT line that the Greeks must learn to accept their losses and accept the Turkish viewpoint in all matters,

·        YOU could be like the Greek American and Cypriot leadership which are STATE DEPARTMENT puppets that are sent out by the State department to pimp their own community and surrender them to Ottoman rule.

·        YOU and a few of your buddies( in the Cypriot Lobby)  think that you have an ordained right to run the Greek American community and control its thought patterns, money, and the issues of the community like some kind of "Mafia Godfather/Godmother".  That is nobody in Greek New York does anything without kissing your slippers and bowing (getting on ones knees) to the self proclaimed leaders of Greek Americans in New York.

Maybe you can tell us what category you belong to?

It would be interesting to find out.

I participated in the Protest in front of the Turkish embassy to mark the brutal genocidalist invasion of Cyprus by Turkey on the day of July 20th 1974.  I did so, to join with others to say that we as Greeks do not accept the fait accompli of the results of the Turkish invasion of the island of Cyprus.  I want to send a message to the White house and the Turks that the Greeks do not forget, nor forgive the events of July 20th and August 14th 1974.  We as Greek Americans do not accept the State Department plan that was instituted long ago by Nicholas Burns to make Greece a Satellite State of Turkey and to render all Greek American Anti-Turkish protest as neutered and eliminated.

I will say this to you.  Your censorship of the demonstration in Washington DC is not only wrong but it does immense destruction to the Cypriot and Greek cause.  You and people like you are setting the stage for the destruction of Cyprus.  You and your patrons over at PSEKA, and the Cyprus Federation have done their best to transform the Cyprus and Greek community into a state of ignorance and dissolution.  Maybe these are your marching orders from the State Department who get their orders from the White House?

YOUR MOTHER showed  valor and courage .

Now what kind of Greek are you?

 John Soudas

Seattle Washington

PS

My Profile:

I have been involved in the Cyprus issue since 1974 when I was in college.  I am an AHEPA member, Past District Governor of District 22, AHI member and past coordinator state of Washington, and long time attendee of the AHEPA Cyprus & Hellenic affairs.  I have attended one PSEKA conference and know the bullshit that goes on there.

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Georgia Maratheftis originally forwarded the supportive message below to Elena Maroulettis , below you will see her letter to CANA, also sent to Elena Marouletti, and her reply to Elena Marouletti ‘s denial of the act of censorship.

From: Maratheftis, Georgia

Sent: Friday, July 25, 2008 4:51 PM

To: 'cana@cyprusactionnetwork.org'

Subject: RE: AN OPEN LETTER TO ELENA MAROULLETI

Dear CANA,

I am in total agreement with the sentiments of this open letter.  I participated in the peaceful "Hands Off Cyprus 2008" demonstration on July 20 in DC.  It was a proud and loud group that stood up for Cyprus.  Thank you for the opportunity to participate and let it be known that Turkey's brutality will be challenged and the Cypriots will not be cowed and silenced by brute and might of the Turkish war and propaganda machine.

Sincerely,

Georgia Maratheftis

From: Maratheftis, Georgia [mailto:maratheftisg@sullcrom.com]

Sent: Friday, July 25, 2008 6:15 PM

To: 'aktina@earthlink.net'

Subject: RE: AN OPEN LETTER TO ELENA MAROULLETI

Dear Ms. Maroulleti,

Thank you for replying.  I cannot know what you deem to be the false and unfounded accusations.  I am personally aware of two people who called your show on Saturday, July 19, 2008, while it was on the air to ask that an announcement be made to Astoria residents of the free bus to DC for people wishing to participate in the Cyprus demonstration.  At least one of these people spoke directly to you and the request to mention the demonstration was rejected out of hand.  My grandmother was shot and killed by Turkish soldiers in Aheridou on August 31, 1974.  She was 58 years of age.  Another lady who participated in the demonstration lost a brother-in-law during the war.  We are members of your community.  We look to the Greek media to inform the Greek community of events that are pertinent to our history, culture and interests.  Censorship owing to personal bias or misinformation or, indeed, a lack of information, fails to fulfill any purpose.  It is also a disservice to the community being served.

Sincerely,

Georgia Maratheftis

2) 

LETTER FROM ELENA MAROULETTI IN WHICH SHE DENIES KNOWING ABOUT CANA, followed by a letter to CANA leader Nikolaos Taneris congratulating a “SUCCESFUL EVENT”,followed by another letter to Taneris where she says she changes her mind about airing anything about the event after the event, followed by her most latest letter, sent to community activist Alex Aliferis, where she characterizes her own community as “sick”

-----Original Message-----

From: aktina [mailto:aktina@earthlink.net]

Sent: Friday, July 25, 2008 5:54 PM

To: Maratheftis, Georgia

Subject: RE: AN OPEN LETTER TO ELENA MAROULLETI

Dear Ms. Maratheftis,

I will not engage myself in a back and forth communication with the members of this unknown to me group.  However, since you took the trouble to forward to me their email, I will only note that it is filled with false and un-founded accusations.

Best,

Elena Maroulleti

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From: "aktina" <aktina@earthlink.net>

To: cana@cyprusactionnetwork.org

Subject: RE: AN OPEN LETTER TO ELENA MAROULLETI

Date: Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:11:00 -0400

Dear Mr. Taneris,

Thanks for your email.  Congratulations sounds like you had a

 successful

event.  I'll address all of your points on my radio program this coming

Sunday which airs from 1:30-6pm

Elena Maroulleti

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From: "aktina" <aktina@earthlink.net> 

To: cana@cyprusactionnetwork.org

Subject: RE: AN OPEN LETTER TO ELENA MAROULLETI

Date: Sat, 26 Jul 2008 14:39:40 -0400

Dear Mr. Taneris,

Under further thought, I have decided not to respond on the air because

 I

believe in unity and harmony.

The struggle of the Cypriot people for freedom and justice has been

 going on

for (34) years.  There are individuals and organizations in our

 community

that have spent millions and have dedicated their lives to this cause.

As you know, my family came to the States as refugees from Famagusta.

Aktina FM has been founded to support this cause.  I have sacrificed

 all my

personal wealth and have dedicated all my time and effort to this

 cause. 

You may be too young to remember the many demonstrations, candlelight

processions, both in Washington, DC and New York.  I don't need lessons

 in

patriotism.  We applaud and embrace all individuals and organizations

 that

support the struggle of the Cypriot people.

Please continue your work without disparaging those who have given

everything for freedom." 

Elena Maroulleti

 From: aktina@earthlink.net

To: malista9@hotmail.com

Subject: RE: Censoring July 20th Protest was An Error.....

Date: Sun, 27 Jul 2008 12:07:14 -0400

You guys are sick!--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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3)  ACTION ALERT:  Please write to Elena Maroulleti and ask for a clear explanation on WHY AKTINA FM censored  any and all notices and announcements about the Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA) July 20^th, 2008 demonstration against the Turkish Embassy in Washington DC. Please remember to ask Elena Marouletti to make a public apology to the entire community.

AKTINA FM , Tel: 718-545-1151

Email:  aktina@aktina.org

========================

Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA)

2578 Broadway #132

New York, NY 10025

New York: Tel. 917-699-9935

Email: cana@cyprusactionnetwork.org

www.cyprusactionnetwork.org

========================

The Cyprus Action Network of America (CANA) is a grass-roots, not-for-profit movement created to support genuine self-determination and human rights for the people of Cyprus.

You may post any CANA article, press release or action alert on the internet as long as you credit CANA and the author(s).