Eight police officers slightly injured in Pournara fracas (Updated)

Eight police officers were being treated for injuries on Thursday after being pelted with rocks by migrants from inside the Pournara camp in Kokkinitrimithia, protesting their prolonged detention there.

The incidents broke out around 2pm. Several police officers were deployed to the site, at which point migrants started hurling rocks at them. Police responded with tear gas.

The police later confirmed the situation was under control, although an increased number of officers would remain on patrol at the camp throughout the night to avoid any further incidents

Some of the migrants said they would be going on a hunger strike.

“We don’t accept food,” one man from inside the fence told journalists.

Tensions at the camp have been rising, with migrants repeatedly voicing their anger at being kept inside for longer than necessary.

The centre acts as a first reception facility for a limited period, the time that it takes them to finish the first step of their asylum application process.

After that, according to the law, the migrants have to leave the centre. However, the state is required to arrange and provide them with accommodation afterwards.

If for administrative reasons they need to be held longer because they have a particular case, they should be taken to a different facility which is more suitable for long-term stays.

But it’s understood that the Covid-19 situation has complicated matters, with some of the migrants stuck at Pournara for months.

Whereas additional portaloos and additional water taps and showers were installed recently, the facility lacks the amenities for long-term stays.

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