Greek authorities arrested 17 migrants after serious disturbances broke out Saturday night at the Sintiki migrant facility in Serres, northern Greece, leaving five people injured and causing extensive damage to the site.
The incident began shortly after 9 p.m. on Aug. 22, when a group of migrants reportedly knocked down part of the facility’s internal fencing and began throwing stones at police officers, according to Greek public broadcaster ERT.
The group also caused extensive damage to accommodation units, communal areas, security cameras, firefighting equipment and official vehicles.
An entire wing of the facility was seriously damaged, prompting authorities to move the residents staying there to another area.
Police reinforce facility after clashes
Large numbers of police officers were deployed to the facility as the situation escalated. An ambulance from Greece’s National Emergency Aid Center (EKAB) and a fire engine were also sent to the scene.
A riot police unit from Thessaloniki was deployed to Sintiki to reinforce the police presence.
Meanwhile, a group of migrants managed to lift and cut through part of the facility’s outer fence, allowing some people to leave the premises.
A total of 17 people were arrested. Three of them were detained at the scene, while authorities continued checking whether additional people had left the facility, according to local news website thestival.gr.
Five people injured
Five people were injured during the disturbances and taken to Serres General Hospital for medical examinations.
Three of them have since returned to the facility, while the other two remain under police guard at the hospital with injuries.
The 17 arrested migrants are expected to be brought before the Serres Prosecutor of First Instance.
