ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greek authorities have opened a first detention center for illegal migrants under a new anti-immigration drive launched shortly before Sunday’s national election.
Police say dozens of people were being taken today to the site at Amygdaleza, on the northern fringe of Athens, the capital. The first batch, 56 people, were interned on Sunday. The center is designed for 1,200 inmates.
Local residents have held a series of protests, saying the camp will add to the area’s crime problems.
Crisis-afflicted Greece is the main entry point for tens of thousands of illegal immigrants seeking a better future in the European Union. Authorities say 500,000 have reached the country over the past three years.
The influx has coincided with a sharp increase in violent crime. Immigration is a major campaign topic ahead of the election.
The Times Record Sustaining Sponsor
We believe a community must be informed to thrive. bowdoin.edu
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less