Migrants and police clash in Greece: 35 escape from detention center

A riot broke out at a migrant detention center in Greece, resulting in the escape of 35 people. According to Deutsche Welle, citing law enforcement sources on August 23, police have recaptured about half of them.

The incident took place in the center of Sintiki, near the Bulgarian border. After migrants threw stones at police officers, additional forces were deployed to the area. Police used explosives against the rioters. The clashes continued until the morning of August 23.

At least five migrants were injured and hospitalized in the incident. Of the 35 people who escaped, 17 were arrested by police, while the search for the remaining 18 is ongoing.

About 450 people are being held in the detention center, waiting for their applications to be processed. However, this process takes a very long time.

Greece is a major transit point for migrants seeking to reach Europe. The country's conservative prime minister has imposed strict rules on the deportation of those who are not granted asylum.

Greece is currently in talks with other European Union countries and African countries to set up special centres for those who are not granted asylum. International human rights organisations have criticised the move.

Earlier, there were reports of riots in various prisons across Sri Lanka, resulting in the deaths of three prisoners and the injury of 23 others.