Unrest on Greek island of Leros after clash with migrants

Tensions across all Greek islands hosting illegal immigrants and refugees have been simmering since the refugee crisis with daily incidents of violence and unrest at the holding camps as thousands seek to leave Greece and demand speedy registration and processing from Greek authorities.

The island of Leros has felt the burden of this crisis and the weekend saw clashes between locals and migrants, which led to more police reinforcements sent to the island.

According to reports, representatives of foreign aid organisations, which have been helping on Leros claimed to have received threats from far-right protesters on the island. Some volunteers have left the island in recent days following the upheaval.

“The lack of any development is driving these refugees crazy. They want to know if they’re going to be returned to Turkey,” Matina Katsiveli, a local volunteer, told Greek media.