ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Authorities on the southern Greek island of Crete detained 76 migrants early Tuesday after they arrived on three boats as smugglers search new routes within the area to evade coast guard patrols.
The migrants, from Syria, Egypt, Sudan, and Bangladesh, included six youngsters and arrived earlier than daybreak on the tiny island of Gavdos, close to Crete’s southern coast, native officers mentioned. Often, they’re detained for identification and processing, after which they will apply for asylum whereas ready in refugee camps, with instances accessed on a person foundation.
Smugglers sometimes goal Greek islands near Turkey’s shoreline, however in current months they’ve more and more chosen longer routes to Crete and islands within the central Aegean Sea, the place coast guard patrols are extra relaxed.
The Greek authorities is contemplating establishing state-funded processing facilities on Crete to help native authorities. Presently, migrants are housed in sports activities amenities, disused buildings, and faculties in the course of the summer season months.
In keeping with knowledge up to date by the United Nations refugee company, greater than 28,000 migrants have arrived illegally in Greece this yr, a fee barely decrease than in Italy and Spain. The speed of migrants arriving illegally in Greece has eased barely up to now this yr following a post-pandemic spike in 2023, in response to UNCHR.
Greece has obtained backlash from human rights organizations over the therapy of migrants attempting to achieve its shores. In June, it denied a BBC report that accused its coast guard of brutal practices leading to dozens of deaths. ___ Comply with AP protection at: https://apnews.com/hub/migration
