ATHENS: Hundreds of illegal immigrants being held at a Greek detention centre launched a hunger strike Monday to protest the death of a Pakistani inmate and conditions at the overcrowded camp.
The strike at the centre in Amygdaleza, which is 10 kilometres (6 miles) from Athens, comes after the death of Mohamed Asfak on November 6, who had been held there after making his way to Europe from his native Pakistan.
Asfak had suffered serious respiratory problems for months, though he was only hospitalised as his condition became life threatening, according to Greek anti-racism group Keerfa.
A humanitarian group that works in the camp confirmed Asfak's death to AFP, though there was no word from officials on how he died.
According to Keerfa, police beat Asfak during a protest at another Greek detention centre in Corinth several months ago and he repeatedly asked for treatment for his injuries, but didn't receive help until recently.
Migrants groups have repeatedly criticised the overcrowded conditions and lack of infrastructure at the camp in Amygdaleza which was to hold 1,000 immigrants, but is home to double that number.
Greece is one of the key ports of entry into Europe for many thousands of migrants every year. It has frequently been criticised for poor conditions in its detention centres.
Given the wave of immigrants from war-torn countries like Syria and Afghanistan in recent years, Athens has demanded more money from the European Union to handle the influx.
Greece has also called for a revision of the "Dublin Regulation", which makes the first EU country crossed by immigrants responsible for his or her future asylum applications.
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@Motiwala: There is a difference between illegal and legal migrants. One of the major difference is the baggage of the same social evil they bring with them. Better life according to them is simply means an institution which is easier to loot in name of social benefits. And most of them never contribute back but instead lure more of their relatives and friends to join them. Then they form a community and demand extra privilege in name of religious freedom and cry racism when asked to live under common rule. This may sound stereotypical to liberal fascist to you. But here in western countries this is a reality. It is not our problem if your government even after billion of fundings prefer to spend on nukes and military toys rather than improving life of your people so they can migrate as educated legal immigrants and contribute to society rather than migrating as illegal immigrant and being burden on other's social security system. I am not just pointing to Pakistan, which is unfortunately forerunner among Somalians, Syrians and many other Islamic countries, but also any nation in general. I can understand truly devastated countries like Syria at present or Somalia. Pakistan is still not there yet. What is it's excuse ? Its plain greed to live in western countries and then try to Islamize it.
The question is why the citizens of Muslim majorities countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan Syria are desperate to migrate ( legally or illegally) western countries even risking their lives. The answer too is known ( poverty is not the reason). The root causes are needed to be removed.
@Sid: They don't even know about any social benefits. They are just looking for a job. And a better life. It is racist pakistanis like you who have a computer and can wax poetic. May God have pity on you.
Who invited them in first place? They are also burden to the taxpayers of EU !