Riot Police Clash With Residents on Greek Islands Over New Migrant Camps
26th February 2020
Incidents were reported on Lesbos and Chios, outlying Greek islands that sit on the front line of a migration route for refugees and asylum seekers. Authorities announced this month they would expedite the creation of centres on five Greek islands, angering locals who say they are bearing the burden of the refugee crisis and that more asylum seekers should be transferred to the mainland amid severe overcrowding.
Witnesses said about 500 people attempted to block the unloading of heavy machinery overnight to break ground at a construction site on Lesbos.
Clashes on the streets followed, with residents attempting to block access to the construction site, and police using tear gas. Similar tensions were reported on Chios.