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23 Asylum Seekers Convicted for Riots at Greek Detention Center
🇬🇷 Greece /Culture & Society

23 Asylum Seekers Convicted for Riots at Greek Detention Center

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Twenty-three asylum seekers were convicted for riots and escape attempts at a detention facility in Serres, Greece.
  • The convicted individuals, from Bangladesh and Egypt, received prison sentences and fines, with their appeals denied immediate suspension.
  • Fifteen detainees escaped during the incident and remain at large, while five others sustained injuries.

A court in Serres, Greece, has sentenced 23 individuals to prison for their involvement in riots and escape attempts at a closed detention facility for asylum seekers. The court imposed sentences of 25 and 26 months, along with a 3,000 euro fine for each defendant. The sentences were not suspended, and appeals will not halt their immediate execution, meaning the convicted are being sent to correctional facilities.

The accused, identified as nationals of Bangladesh and Egypt, were found guilty of escape or attempted escape, rioting by detainees, and aggravated property damage. Two other individuals are still awaiting trial.

According to police, the unrest began when a group of detainees attacked security forces with stones and other objects. They also caused damage to the facility's installations and fencing. Some managed to cut through the wire mesh and flee.

Authorities reported that 15 individuals escaped and are still being sought. Five foreign nationals were injured during the clashes. Strong police forces were mobilized to manage the situation.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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