Residents clash with police on Greek islands over building of new migrant detention camps

Residents on two Greek islands clashed with police on Tuesday over the building of new migrant detention camps.

Crowds attempted to stop police from disembarking on the islands of Lesbos and Chios, to disrupt the work that will see new camps built at the busiest entry point for illegal migration in the European Union.

Police fired tear gas to disperse the crowds, and protesters set fire to bins as they tried to block access to the port area on Lesbos.

Police on Chios also used tear gas and flash grenades. At least three people were treated in the hospital for breathing difficulties caused by the extensive use of tear gas, local officials said.

The government says it will move ahead with plans to build the new facilities and has promised to replace existing camps where severe overcrowding has worsened in recent months.

The standoff between police and protesters continued later in the day near the areas where the new camps will be built, as police cordoned off areas around roadblocks set up over the past few days by demonstrators on the two islands.

Read more via Euronews

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