Greek riot police tear gas refugees who lost Moria camp shelter to fire

Greek riot police fired tear gas at asylum seekers demanding entry into mainland after a massive fire engulfed Europe's largest migrant camp earlier this week. A fire broke out at overcrowded Moria camp in Greek island of Lesbos on September 9, leaving over 12,000 refugees and migrants homeless.

homeless migrants demanded to leave island as y reportedly chanted “Freedom” and “ Camp” during protest. incident occurred months after Turkey reopened its border for refugees trying to enter or European countries while Greece tear-gassed thousands of m to deny entry. 

Last week, Greek authorities confirmed first COVID-19 case in camp and imposed a strict lockdown, forbidding any kind of entry and exit from camp. After fires prevented refugees from accessing even limited medical care, hygiene products, and running water, government called for a plan to move migrants in closed facilities.

“Some [people] do t respect country that is hosting m,” government spokesperson Stelios Petsas said on September 10, blaming refugees for fire.

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Refugee crisis

Greece has also been accused of a violent crackdown on refugees and snatching away belongings migrants if y somehow make it across border. Following fire in Moria camp, 31 civil society organisations, including Human Rights Watch, called on Greek government to immediately provide assistance to people who lost ir shelter. 

organisations said in a joint statement that at-risk groups should be carefully transferred to safety on mainland. y urged Greek authorities to work on a “coherent plan” to maximize all available resources and renewed ir call to European leers to share responsibility for reception and support of asylum seekers.

“Moving people from Lesbos to mainland Greece requires finding urgent solutions to dress fact that many current housing facilities for refugees and asylum seekers are at full capacity,” statement re.

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(Im: AP)