Protests and Violence in Refugee Camps in Greece and Bulgaria

Following the death of a woman and a six-year-old child in one of the refugee camps in Greece, a number of protesting refugees and migrants set part of the camp on fire. In separate clashes and protests in Bulgaria, hundreds of refugees have been arrested and several police officers have been injured. The woman and child who died in Greece lost their lives due to a gas cylinder explosion; Greek police stated that the explosion occurred while a 66-year-old woman was cooking. According to police, the mother of the deceased child and another four-year-old child are hospitalized. Hours later, protests erupted in the 'Moria' camp on Lesbos Island, with residents setting part of it ablaze. AFP reported, citing Greek police, that the damage to the camp is 'significant.' Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze. During clashes between police and camp residents, several residents were injured, although police stated the injuries are not serious. Some migrants and refugees who had left the camp due to the protests have returned. This is not the first time a fire has occurred or violence has erupted in the Moria camp. Two months ago, part of this camp was severely damaged during clashes between migrants, refugees, and police forces, forcing thousands to leave the camp for several days. Moria was built to accommodate 3,500 people, but currently, over 5,000 people are living there day and night. Official statistics show that up to 66,000 refugees and migrants are currently being held in Greece. Meanwhile, in Bulgaria, during clashes between refugees and police forces, nearly 20 officers were injured, and hundreds of protesters were arrested. Reports estimate that the number of protesting refugees in Bulgaria's largest camp is around 1,500. The Bulgarian Prime Minister stated that six of the arrested refugees and migrants were 'dangerous elements for the national security' of the country. It is reported that the majority of the protesters were Afghan refugees. Over the past three years, due to ongoing violence in West Asia, North Africa, and other regions, the number of refugees heading to Europe has increased unprecedentedly since World War II. Refugees held in countries like Greece or Italy are primarily trying to reach southern Europe by boat and from there to the west and north of the continent. Ultimately, hundreds of them lose their lives in the Mediterranean waters, and hundreds of thousands are held in various camps.