



Violence erupted again on Wednesday at Idomeni, the sprawling tent city that has been created on Greece’s northern border with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). Incidents began at 8:30 p.m. when about a hundred migrants ran towards the police block, pushing a wagon or train cart to break through to the other side. The riot squad was quick to respond, firing extreme amounts of tear gas at the crowds. Soon, a massive brawl broke out as a number of migrants threw stones and objects at the police, setting at least four tents on fire.

Many people were affected by the police use of tear gas, including pregnant women and children. The medical tent was inundated by those suffering from the physical effects of the gases. A police source told Greek Reporter that at least three Greek police members were injured. The number of injured refugees remains unknown.

One volunteer working in the area told the Greek Reporter that the incident is the most serious case of police use of chemicals seen in the region until now. Most people left the camp, heading for safety in the nearby fields.

Idomeni camp is home to about 11,000 people thwarted from reaching more prosperous EU regions due to the closure of the Greek border with FYROM. Clashes in the pressure cooker environment are a regular occurence.



