Two-hundred-and-thirty-seven immigrants on a hunger strike, ended their five-day occupation of the Athens University’s Law School. They ended their strike early Friday and were escorted to another location (photo) in the city center.
The migrants are now being housed in the former home of late opera singer Maria Callas, according to Skai Radio.
Police, including special forces, had surrounded the central Athens campus building during the ten hours of negotiations that finally ended at 3:30 a.m. The immigrants walked out carrying rolls of blankets and thin mattresses. They filed past police, raising their arms to make the victory sign, as onlookers chanted slogans against the government and police.
The owner of the building the migrants have moved to has reportedly agreed for them to stay there for two weeks only. According to Skai Radio, Athens University is footing the bill for renting the building. Other reports said the Migrants’ Forum has agreed to pay.
“The government calmly and decisively ensured the peaceful and safe exit of this group from the university and the termination of the asylum’s tresspassing, all while at the same time defending the rule of law,” government spokesman Giorgos Petalotis said.
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