Greece Detains Over 200 Migrants After North Africa Asylum Freeze

Greek authorities have detained over 200 migrants arriving from Libya following the government's decision to suspend asylum applications from North African arrivals. Migration Minister Thanos Plevris stated that these migrants do not have the right to apply for asylum and will be held in police custody until deportation processes begin, rather than being transferred to reception centers. The detained migrants were found in groups near the islands of Crete and Agathonisi, with one migrant reportedly dying of injuries sustained upon arrival. This enforcement follows a surge in migrant arrivals, with over 2,000 landing on Crete in July alone, prompting local officials and tourism operators to pressure the conservative government under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to take stricter measures. The government emphasizes deterrence, viewing illegal entry as a violation of control systems rather than an invitation for hospitality. The temporary suspension of asylum claims from North Africa is intended to manage the increased influx and is set to last at least three months, with detained migrants placed in closed facilities pending return to their countries of origin.