Six migrants arrested over deadly Moria camp blaze

·

Greek police have detained six migrants over a fire that razed the Moria refugee camp to the ground, the government said on Tuesday, as thousands of displaced people refused to move to a new facility and demanded to leave Lesbos island.

Authorities were searching for one more person earlier on Tuesday, Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrisohoidis said.

According to Ekatherimini sources, the suspects are all Afghan nationals and include two unaccompanied minors, one of whom was arrested in Pieria in northern Greece after having been transferred to a camp there following last Wednesday’s fires.

 Migrants sleep at a supermarket parking lot after a fire at their camp on Greece’s island of Lesbos. Photo: Canberra Times

The officers investigating the fires were reportedly acting on surveillance camera footage and witness testimonies when they arrested the five suspects.

More than 12,000 people, mostly refugees from Afghanistan, Africa and Syria, were left without shelter, proper sanitation or access to food and water after a fire tore through the overcrowded Moria migrant camp last Wednesday.

Thousands of migrants were reluctant to enter a tent camp on the Greek island, a police official said, fearing that life there would be no better than the conditions they endured in Moria.

READ MORE: VIDEO FOOTAGE allegedly catches refugees and migrants starting Moria fires
READ MORE: Moria ‘completely destroyed’ as fire tears through migrant camp

Thousands of people, including women and children, spent the night in makeshift tents on a road outside the temporary camp.

“We have informed them that they must come into the facility, but they have refused,” the police official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “They want to leave the island.”

Sourced By: Reuters

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

AHEPA Sydney & NSW marks OXI Day with tribute to Greece’s heroes of 1940

On Wednesday, October 29, AHEPA Sydney & NSW Inc proudly held a commemorative event in honour of OXI Day. Read more here.

Dean Kalymniou on Gough Whitlam and the 50-year legacy of the Racial Discrimination Act

Dean Kalymniou reflects on Whitlam’s legacy and 50 years of the Racial Discrimination Act - a milestone in Australia’s pursuit of justice.

Konstantinos Argiros meets NSW Premier after sold-out Opera House performances

At NSW Parliament on Friday, Premier Chris Minns and Ministers Courtney Houssos and Sophie Cotsis welcomed Konstantinos Argiros.

‘Love, care and respect’: Chris and Nikolitsa Bakopoulos share the key to 70 years of marriage

From Patras to Bexley, Chris and Nikolitsa Bakopoulos’ 70-year love story is a timeless testament to faith, resilience, and devotion.

Accused Easey St killer Perry Kouroumblis previously gave police an alibi, court hears

Accused Easey Street killer Perry Kouroumblis has told police he was with a friend on the night two women were brutally stabbed in 1977.

You May Also Like

Netanyahu considers ‘full conquest’ of Gaza as ceasefire talks reach an impasse

Israel is preparing to expand its military operations in Gaza, potentially targeting areas where hostages are believed to be held

45th Patrino Karnavali to light up Sydney’s Brighton-Le-Sands

The 45th Patrino karnavali in Sydney is around the corner with a full night of festivity planned at the Brighton Le Sands.

Andrew Yiasemides sells petrol station at Brighton-Le-Sands after 46 years

Andrew Yiasemides has closed the doors of his petrol station on Bay Street at Brighton-Le-Sands for the last time after 46 years at the helm.