Migrants throw stones and brawl with police during ‘riot’

Migrants clashed with police during a major riot at a closed Greek reception facility, throwing stones and breaking through fencing before 10 were arrested. The violence erupted late on Saturday night at the Kleidi Controlled Reception Facility in the Sintiki municipality, near Serres.

Local reports confirmed: “A group of detainees began hurling stones and other projectiles at police officers and security staff as tensions rapidly escalated.” The protesters then turned their attention to the security infrastructure, with part of the wire-mesh perimeter reportedly being forcibly lifted and damaged. Several detainees managed to get through the breach and flee into the surrounding countryside, triggering a major police operation.

Anti-riot officers from the Greek police’s MAT units were sent to the facility alongside officers from the Serres Police Directorate as authorities battled to regain control.

The standoff reportedly continued for more than three hours before order was restored inside the centre.

A search operation was subsequently launched across the surrounding area in an attempt to track down those who had escaped.

Police confirmed: “At least 10 of the detainees were located and arrested in the hours following the breach.”

The incident took place at a facility designed to operate as a closed reception and administrative detention centre.

Kleidi, also known as Klidi, is located in a remote area and is used to house people subject to immigration procedures, including those facing deportation or whose asylum applications have been rejected.

Unlike more open accommodation centres, residents at the site face strict restrictions on their movement.

The facility has previously been the scene of unrest, with reports of protests linked to lengthy periods of detention, delays in asylum procedures and complaints about conditions.

The latest violence comes amid continued pressure on Greece’s migration system, with the country remaining one of the main entry points into the European Union for people arriving from the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

The scale of Saturday night’s disturbance prompted the deployment of specialist riot police, while officers continued searching for anyone who had escaped after the perimeter was breached.

Greek media reported: “Footage circulated online showed the aftermath of the disturbances, including severe damage to sections of the facility’s fencing.”

The incident has once again highlighted the security challenges faced by authorities operating closed migration facilities, particularly when groups of detainees attempt to force their way through restricted areas.

Greek authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the riot, including the damage to the perimeter and the escape of detainees.

The arrests also raise the prospect of criminal proceedings against those accused of attacking officers, damaging the facility and breaking out of the centre.