Hunger strike by Greek immigrants after death of Pakistani inmate

Immigrants are on a hunger strike demanding better conditions at detention centers following the death of a Pakistani inmate on November 6

Illegal immigrants held at the Greek detention center of Amygdaleza, 10 km from Athens, are on a hunger strike after the death of Pakistani Mohamed Asfak on November 6. The Keerfa anti-racist group states that the Pakistani inmate had suffered serious respiratory problems for months but was only taken to hospital once his condition became life threatening. Keerfa stated that he had asked for treatment for his injuries after being beaten by police at another detention center however he did not receive help until it was too late.

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There has been no official word of his death from authorities.

The overcrowded conditions at the Amygdaleza camp have often come under criticism. Built to hold 1,000 immigrants, it currently houses double that number. Greece, one of the key ports of entry to Europe, has often been criticized for its inability to provide humane living conditions at detention centers. The wave of immigrants from war-torn Syria and Afghanistan in recent years has added to the problems and Greece has demanded more money from the Euroepan Union to handle the influx.

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The Dublin Regulation makes the first EU country crossed by immigrants responsible for their future asylum applications. Greece has asked for this regulation to be reviewed.