Intra-group and Inter-ethnic violence in the Athens centre

Alert DateAugust 31, 2008 Country: Greece Address: Geraniou str, Athens General Type: Racist violence Racism and discrimination phenomena: Inter-ethnic, Intra-ethnic
Groups affected / Interested in: Migrants Key socio-economic/institutional areas: Daily life
Victims Data
Victims Nationality/Ethnic Origin Albanian, Somali
Victims Gender Male
Victims Age N/A
Victims Number 14
Fatalities - deaths N/A
Perpetrators Data
Perpetrators Nationality/Ethnic Origin Albanian, Somali
Perpetrator Gender Male
Perpetrator Age N/A
Perpetrators Number N/A
Extremist/Organised Group Violence No

In August 2008 interethnic and intra-group violence (between African communities, Albanians, Romanians) was reported on much larger scale than before, especially in downgraded areas of the old Athens centre, in a path of ghettoisation.

The Attica prefect (prefecture of greater Athens urban complex) sent a letter to the prime minister depicting a picture of downgraded downtown Athens because of accumulation of irregular migrants and marginalised groups such as drug-addicts in informal housing conditions.

The prefect announced that he would seek to clean the area from the occupation by migrants of entire old buildings in the old city centre. He asked for the support of the government, especially in view of interethnic and intra-group violence that occurred in late of the summer in that very area (Omonia square).
 

Source:

Eleftheri Ora, 18.09.2008, pp.3-4, Ομόνοια=ο απόπατος της δύστυχης Αθήνας ('Omonia=the earth-closet of poor Athens')

Kathimerini, 12.9.2008, Malevolent neglect, http://www.ekathimerini.com//4dcgi/_w_articles_columns_2_12/09/2008_100360