The beginning of the end for Amygdaleza detention center

Immigrants are to be cleared out of the controversial center within a hundred days

The notorious Amgdaleza migrant detention center that has been described by human rights groups as a concentration camp is being gradually evacuated by Greek authorities. The program to clear the detention center of inmates began on Friday with the release of 100 irregular migrants by Tuesday. Meanwhile, 980 still remain on the premises.

Alternate Civil Protection Center Minister Yiannis Panousis has pledged to close down the center within 100 days due to its inhumane living conditions following the suicide of a Pakistani national.

Asylum seekers are the first migrants being released from the center in the first phase, followed by minors and other vulnerable groups. Priority is also being given to those who have been detained for over six months.

The main hitch to the government’s plans is the lack of suitable open hospitality areas to accommodate children.

Immigrants that are being held for criminal offenses and who are awaiting deportation will not be released.