EU calls on Greece to investigate violence against asylum seekers

The European Union on Wednesday has called on the Greek authorities to investigate the Greek security forces’ use of violence and illegal practices against asylum seekers and migrants trying to pass into Europe.

European Commission spokesperson, Adalbert Jahnz told reporters in Brussels that the Greek authorities face an exceptional situation and fulfill a difficult task; however, he added that “they have to do this by conforming to basic rights and moderately.”

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“We expect Greek authorities to investigate any kind of claim regarding violence or illegal intervention (toward refugees and asylum-seekers),” he said.

Thousands of asylum seekers and migrants have been waiting in the border region separating Turkey and Greece since February 27 to cross into Europe amid reports of suffering from cruel treatment by the Greek authorities.

At the end of last month, Turkey allowed thousands of migrants and asylum seekers to cross its borders with Greece in response to the EU’s lack of action in the Syrian governorate of Idlib.