In a sweltering hall in Crete, rows of detained migrants await their fate, far from tourism's allure. Many of these individuals risked treacherous journeys from Libya to reach Europe, only to find themselves held in a facility without the ability to request asylum. Despite EU laws protecting the right to asylum, the Greek government recently bypassed this principle, declaring a three-month suspension amid a perceived "state of emergency." New migration minister Thanos Plevris insists that strict measures are necessary to deter daily arrivals that have surged to nearly 1,000 people.
Conditions in the detention facilities are grim, with overcrowding and minimal resources noted by onlookers. As Greece's tourist season heats up, the government prioritizes its image, moving migrants to closed camps on the mainland. An alarming rise in arrivals has been documented, with over 7,000 migrants entering Crete this year alone.
Many are fleeing conflict, like 20-year-old Mustafa from Sudan, who described appalling living conditions and fears of being returned to war. Plevris contends that the suspension serves Greece's interests, aiming to balance human rights against citizens’ concerns about overstressed resources.
The Greek government's actions have sparked debate, with lawyers condemning the legality of bypassing asylum laws and calling for immediate action against such measures. The European Commission is monitoring the situation closely, noting potential security implications stemming from the influx.
As the summer progresses, questions remain about the long-term implications of Greece's controversial migration policies, particularly regarding the fundamental right to seek asylum in Europe.
