The statement of Citizen Protection Minister Nikos Toskas following the violent incidents took place in Idomeni has raised many concerns.

Speaking at SKAI TV channel, Mr. Toskas referred to yesterday’s violent clashes between FYROM authorities and refugees, as well as FYROM’s use of excessive force, including use of tear gas, flash grenades and rubber bullets, and said that “those who were beaten yesterday will be tomorrow’s jihadists”.

Explaining why the Greek police did not use any tear gas to remove the protestors, he said that “it would cause greater reactions”.

Regarding FYROM’s violation of Greek territory, he stressed that the fence is raised 2-3 meters within the boundary of borders and, thus, FYROM police did not enter Greece’s territory. “We only condemned the use of rubber bullets and tear gas,” Mr. Toskas argued.