Downfall of the Squatters-Bastion...

Downfall of the Squatters-Bastion...
Originally uploaded by papillon666.

"About Metelkova

For those who don't know what Metelkova is, I'll try to explain.
This city block that comprises an area used to be a military prison during Socialist times. When Slovenia became independent in 1991 the military prison grounds were deserted. As the Yugoslav/Serbian army retreated, squatters rushed in to take over the land and buildings.
These anarchistic, artistic, revolutionaries, who captured Metelkova negotiated with the newly forming independent government, and won sovereign control over the area. The agreement was that it was that it would be a cultural center for the community- offering various events and exhibitions for public consumption. And Metelkova is that. . .more or less.
There are several buildings being used for nightclubs which are open at various times and host different music artists, both local and international. There is also some gallery and some studio space. Probably the nicest building there is the Youth Hostel which is very well maintained and decorated. I highly recommend it to all visitors.

On the other hand, parts of Metelkova are also very run-down, not up to building codes, fire codes, etc. The occupants do not pay taxes on the land, nor do the civil servants (police/firemen/paramedics) services, or in any way trespass on the property. There is no protection, you enter at your own risk. It is a sovereign anarchistic space, and facilities are...well, what they are.

It is a real 'free zone' and one might even venture to think of it as an oasis of sanity in a quickly capitalizing world.

As you might have predicted. . .
The government periodically threatens to destroy Metelkova. The newly elected right wing party has been making a lot of noise about it lately.
Then, last week they announced that one of the building would be torn down, a little wooden structure that has been added since the land was acquired in 1991.
The offending building is a small place called the Jalla Jalla, serving liquor straight from the bottle. Asian food is sometimes served at unpredictable times and DJ's play at unpredictable, but frequent times.

On the day of demolition no one showed up, either to destroy the building, or protest its destruction.

Post threads about Metelkova, anarchist, artist communities, or anything else.
You can also write a rant for the government to help me with my
"Save Metelkova" campaign.

http://www.metelkova.org"