“The riots started after noon, initially as a protest against the asylum rules and conditions in the center. The crowd in front of the quarters set clothes on fire and started throwing stones at the police. At the same time, they threatened to break through the fence and run away. A large police force arrived in front of the center, which prevented them from attacking with the help of the fire department, which prevented the fire from spreading,” reported Skai station.
The incident happened a day after three refugees died and 55 others were rescued near Crete, where a ship sailing from Libya sank. The police arrested two of the rescued – Sudanese – for smuggling.
Greece introduced one of the strictest migration regimes in Europe this summer, allowing detention for up to 24 months and imposing prison terms of two to five years for illegal entry or stay. According to stricter laws, refugees who have been refused asylum face mandatory prison sentences.
The number of migrants coming from Libya to Crete has increased sharply in recent months. However, according to Wednesday’s statement by the Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy, Thanos Plevris, the total number of incoming migrants decreased compared to last year. Plevris also defended strict Greek migration laws and expressed support for other EU member states’ proposals to establish specialized deportation centers.
