Concerns grow about tense migrant camps

Following a visit to the Aegean island of Samos in the wake of rioting and a spate of fires at the Vathy reception center for migrants, Migration Minister Notis Mitarakis on Tuesday described the situation there as "extremely difficult."

Mitarakis said that 22 migrants would face criminal charges over the upheaval. "It is clear that those who come to our country and apply for asylum are obliged by the Geneva Convention to respect Greek law," he said. 

Mitarakis did not comment on the government's plans to decongest overcrowded facilities on the islands, which have been postponed amid the coronavirus pandemic. He noted, however, that progress has been made, with 12,000 migrants moved from island camps to the mainland this year. He added that his aim was for the Vathy facility to close. 

Meanwhile tensions have erupted between the ministry and the Greek chapter...