Deadly violence from police officers and coast guards in Athens and Igoumenitsa

Alert DateApril 21, 2009 Country: Greece Address: Igoumenitsa General Type: Racist violence Racism and discrimination phenomena: Anti-migrant/xenophobia
Groups affected / Interested in: Migrants Key socio-economic/institutional areas: Policing - law enforcement
Victims Data
Victims Nationality/Ethnic Origin Pakistani
Victims Gender Male
Victims Age 26-35
Victims Number 2
Fatalities - deaths 2
Perpetrators Data
Perpetrators Nationality/Ethnic Origin Greek
Perpetrator Gender Male
Perpetrator Age N/A
Perpetrators Number N/A
Extremist/Organised Group Violence No

In late March 2009, the 29-year-old Kurdish immigrant allegedly violently beaten by officers at the North-western port of Igoumenitsa, died in the hospital.  The internal investigation did not reach a result regarding the people responsible for his deadly injuries. According to human rights groups, the 29-year-old was beaten by the port officials after trying to hide on a truck that had been waiting to board a ferry to Italy. The groups said that news of the beating was not made public until early April. Only after the alleged victim’s relatives came from Sweden and pressed charges, the Port Guard Chief ordered a disciplinary investigation.

 

On 26.9.2009, a migrant from Pakistan, Mohamed Kamran, was beaten by police officers during his arrest in his family home and during detention at the police department of Nikea. On 9.10.2009 he died because of the injuries suffered. Two contradictory forensic autopsies from the police and the family lead the Minister for the Protection of Citizens (ex Public Order) to bring the case to the attention of the Supreme Court prosecutor.

 

Source:

Kathimerini English Edition, 22.4.2009, http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_1_22/04/2009_106500

in.gr, 27.07.2009, http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=1037143&rss=yes

in.gr, 20.10.2009, http://www.in.gr/news/article.asp?lngEntityID=1065962&lngDtrID=244