Locals in Lesbos oppose Moria camp reconstruction

Demonstrators from neighbouring villages blockaded a road leading to the fire-ravaged Moria refugee camp on the Greek island of Lesbos Thursday.

Those joining the roadblock are opposed to the reconstruction of the camp which was severely damaged by the blaze on Wednesday night.

That blaze had left about 3,500 of the more than 12,500 people living in and around Moria homeless, and authorities flew in tents and were providing a ferry and two navy ships as emergency temporary housing. .

Officials said the original fire was started by camp residents angered by lockdown measures and isolation orders imposed after 35 people tested positive for COVID-19.