Egyptian migrants call for help over conditions at Serres detention camp

Around 300 Egyptian irregular migrants held at the Sintiki migrant camp in Serres, Greece, have issued an appeal to the Greek public, calling for help and freedom after reportedly spending more than a year at the facility.

In an open letter published on the website of KEERFA, a Greek organisation that campaigns against racism and fascism, the migrants described what they said were difficult living conditions and prolonged confinement at the camp.

Migrants describe overcrowded conditions
The Egyptians said they had been held at the Sintiki facility for more than 12 months and wanted to leave the camp and work to support themselves and their families.

“We are tired,” the migrants said in their appeal, describing the situation in Egypt and their conditions in Greece.

According to the letter, more than 15 people are housed in some of the container accommodation units, despite each unit having only four or five beds. The migrants also claimed that more than 300 people share just four bathrooms and that the air-conditioning systems are not functioning properly.

The group said many of its members have technical skills and professional experience in different fields and want the opportunity to work outside the camp.

Appeal for freedom and assistance
The migrants said they were suffering both physically and psychologically as a result of their prolonged confinement.

“Please help us. Save us,” they appealed, arguing that they should be given the opportunity to live and work outside the camp.

They also said their families remained in difficult circumstances and called on the Greek public to show compassion and support.

KEERFA voices support
KEERFA said in a statement that a protest or disturbance reportedly took place at the camp the previous week over the length of detention and the living conditions there.

The organisation expressed its support for the migrants and highlighted their complaints about prolonged confinement and conditions at the facility.

The allegations concerning conditions at the camp were presented in the migrants’ open letter and KEERFA’s statement.