Fire tears through Greek refugee camp after coronavirus protest [VIDEO]

·

A fire has torn through Vial camp on Chios island following protests over the death of a 47-year-old Iraqi asylum seeker who had reportedly been suffering from a fever.

According to a report from Al Jazeera, the woman had been taken to hospital with a fever earlier this week but after she tested negative for coronavirus, she was brought back to the camp where she later died.

“This woman did not die of coronavirus but it appears the fear that she did die of coronavirus is what triggered the rampage, the riots overnight,” John Psaropoulos, an Al Jazeera reporter, said.

The blaze, which began during the riots, destroyed the facilities of the European asylum service, a camp canteen, warehouse tents and many housing containers, said Migration Ministry Secretary, Manos Logothetis.

The administration centre which housed hundreds of refugees was also burnt down. Source: Politischios.gr.

“A large part of the camp’s administrative services was destroyed but there were no injuries reported,” Mr Logothetis said.

“Authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage, but a few hundred people are likely affected because their shelters have burned down.”

At least three vehicles outside the camp were also gutted.

A police source in Athens said two Afghans and an Iraqi had been arrested in relation to the unrest following the woman’s death.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

St Spyridon College and All Saints Grammar secure top 100 ranks in 2024 HSC

Two Greek Orthodox schools in Sydney, New South Wales have claimed a spot in the top 100 rankings for this year’s HSC results.

Penny Belehris receives highest ATAR in SA’s Riverland region

Renmark High School's Dux Penny Belehris received an ATAR of 99.8 in the 2024 South Australian Certificate of Excellence.

Greek Australian students lead the way in NSW HSC success

Some 70,000 students in NSW have now received their much-anticipated HSC results, signifying the end of their high school journey.

St George Rose Bay pack over 500 hampers for Sydney’s homeless this Christmas

The St George Greek Orthodox Church at Rose Bay has spread Christmas cheer by packing more than 500 charity hampers to support homeless.

Teen sensation Sam Konstas breaks BBL records on debut

Teenager Sam Konstas made a sensational BBL debut, smashing the fastest half-century in Sydney Thunder history.

You May Also Like

Mayors and residents stage protest in Athens for revised migrant detention plan

Mayors and residents of Greek islands hardest hit by the country’s refugee crisis have protested in central Athens against government plans to build a network of detention camps.

Greece’s Thessaloniki Documentary Festival postponed due to Coronavirus fears

With just days until it was due to launch, the 2020 Thessaloniki Documentary Festival has been postponed amid growing coronavirus fears.

Momentum grows as Greek taxi licence owners in NSW continue to fight for fair compensation

Greek taxi licence owners are making waves across Sydney with their demands to receive fair compensation in response to new industry reforms.