Clashes Between Refugees and Police in Lesbos
Refugees stationed on the island of Lesbos once again demonstrated in protest against their deportation to Turkey and clashed with police for hours. At least ten people were injured during the unrest and altercation with Greek police.
Moria camp on the island of Lesbos in Greece was the scene of refugee protests against being returned to Turkey. The unrest escalated on Tuesday evening (April 26/Ordibehesht 7).
According to local Moria radio reports, officials dispatched to quell the refugees’ anger clashed with them for hours. The clashes were severe enough that ten people were injured. Reports indicate the injuries were minor.
Protesters threw water bottles and other objects at Greek Migration Minister Yannis Mouzalas. Some of them set garbage bins on fire or threw stones at officers. Greek police also resorted to firing tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.
A video posted on YouTube shows a person lying motionless on the ground.
Reporters present at the scene described the explosive situation in the camp. By Wednesday morning (April 27), Greek law enforcement forces were able to restore order and calm in Moria camp.
Refugees staying in this location have continuously protested their expulsion from Greece and deportation to Turkey. They say their detention conditions in Turkey would be significantly worse than conditions in this camp.
The Greek government deported 49 refugees who had illegally entered the country to Turkey on Wednesday. This action is based on an agreement between the European Union and Turkey, according to which all people who illegally traveled from Turkey to Greece after March 20 of this year are returned to the country of origin.
According to official statistics, more than 7,700 registered refugees currently reside on the island of Lesbos in Greece. Last week, Greek police evacuated a camp that refugees themselves had set up autonomously on one of the beaches. Hundreds of refugees lived in this camp.
The situation of refugees in Greek islands is generally tense. Three weeks ago, refugees in Chios occupied the port area for about a week in protest against returning to Turkey. Right-wing group supporters on the island also staged a protest against closing the port to ships, which led to clashes between them and the refugees.
Source: Deutsche Welle
