A total of 35 migrants escaped from a detention center in northern Greece after cutting through a perimeter fence during a violent confrontation with security personnel. Authorities have since recaptured 17 of the individuals, while search operations remain ongoing for the approximately 18 who are still at large. The incident occurred at a temporary accommodation facility in Sintiki, located just a few kilometers from the Bulgarian border. The center currently houses around 450 people who are held there while their asylum applications are processed, a procedure that officials acknowledge can be lengthy.
Tensions escalated late Saturday when migrants began throwing rocks at guards, leading to a call for police reinforcements. Special forces responded to the scene and utilized flash grenades to manage the unrest, which continued until the early hours of Sunday. In addition to the escapees, five migrants sustained injuries during the clashes and were transported to a hospital for treatment. This event takes place as Greece, a primary entry point for migrants entering Europe, continues to navigate significant migration challenges, with the country's conservative government actively working to toughen its migration policies.
