Sintiki migrant facility experiences fourth riot in recent weeks

A group of approximately 40 masked migrants rioted at the migrant hospitality facility in Kleidi, located in the municipality of Sintiki, Serres. During the incident, which occurred late on September 8, participants threw stones at police forces, causing damage to the facility's perimeter fencing and two official police vehicles.

The unrest targeted the 'Gamma' wing, which houses about 330 migrants and is currently the only intact wing remaining after previous riots destroyed three others. This marks the fourth riot at the facility in a short period, following similar incidents on August 22, August 29, and September 2.

Giannis Kounios, president of the Association of Police Subordinates of Serres, criticized the current security situation, stating that police officers should not serve as “human shields” or a substitute for physical fencing. He called for the immediate transfer of detainees to other facilities and the suspension of the Sintiki facility's operations until security infrastructure is fully restored. The Mayor of Sintiki and the municipal council have also called for the facility's closure.