The Greek government launched an operation on Thursday to move migrants away from the Victoria Square in the center of Athens to a closed facility, in order to protect them from the increasingly inclement weather conditions and to relieve the overcrowded square and area.
The increasing influx of migrants and refugees in Greece has resulted in the square becoming somewhat of a settlement in the past month. Though the exact number of campers is unknown, thousands are estimated to have camped in the square in September.
Amid this situation migrants and refugees are being transported from the Victoria Square to a gymnasium in the area of Galatsi, north of Athens’ center. Four hundred migrants and refugees had been transported to the gymnasium by midday Thursday, Kathimerini newspaper reports.
One obstacle for migrants and refugees camping at Victoria Square and any open space as time progresses will be the weather conditions. Heavy rains descended upon Athens last week while temperature levels in the city and across the country are gradually dropping.
Greek Minister of Migration Policy Giannis Mouzalas was also present at Victoria Square on Thursday.
“I want patience from the residence and a lot of persistence from my services and we will make it. Not miracles, improvement,” he said according to Vima newspaper.
Residents of the area around the square also held a peaceful protest on Thursday, asking for migrants and refugees to be moved away from the square.
On Wednesday, Athens Mayor Giorgos Kaminis asserted that it is the Greek government’s responsibility to deal with the refugee crisis.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
