Several injured during Lesvos, Chios protests against refugee facilities; one arrest
- Written by E.Tsiliopoulos
One person was arrested and 11 were brought in for identification at a police station on Chios island, following incidents begun when residents protesting the construction of migrant facilities stormed a hotel and clashed with riot police staying there.
According to Hellenic Police, the individual arrested is a 27-year-old man, while another has been identified as also responsible for the incident and is being sought. Nine police members were injured.
In incidents on Lesvos island, another 43 police and 10 civilians were injured, according to the Greek police.
Migration Minister
The disbelief of residents of Aegean islands in government policies on relieving the congested migrant hotspots is understandable, Migration and Asylum Minister Notis Mitarachi said on Wednesday, calling for peace following "isolated events" on the islands that besmirch their good name.
Speaking at the board meeting of the Central Union of Greek Municipalities (KEDE) of the clashes on the islands of Lesvos and Chios with riot police over the construction of new migrant facilities, Mitarachi said "the islanders' lack of faith is justified to a great degree" and their reactions are to be respected. "Unfortunately," he said, "there are isolated incidents that taint the image of the islands and create an escalating tension that must be reduced within the next few hours."
He also said that he was in constant communication with the local and regional authorities "to bring calmness to the islands."
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