Border Violence Monitoring Network

1/6 In 2023, BVMN submitted a complaint to the @EU_EDPS, after recording a number of instances in which respondents stated that they were photographed by @Frontex officers using personal mobile devices prior to being pushed back.

#Greece has received more than EUR 1.7 billion through EU funds for external borders. This includes mobile and stationary units, border surveillance systems and equipment, refurbishment of crossing points, new IT systems. europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document…

3/3 Resistance: ➡️ camp residents have organised protests in response to the protracted delays in asylum processing which prolong detention and poor conditions ➡️ tactics have included sharing their demands via statements shared through NGOs to break their isolation

2/3 Architecture: ➡️ prison-style infrastructure with perimeter accommodation areas including 240 pre-fabricated containers of 25sqm each ➡️ a separate ‘quarantine zone’ to confine new arrivals ➡️ barbed-wire fencing, turnstiles, CCTV, high-security surveillance environment

1/3 Shedding light on hidden detention sites with #DetentionLandscapes 5️⃣ Samos ➡️ in a remote area of the island ➡️ official capacity of 3,650 but overcrowding is frequent ➡️ functions as reception facility but with a prison-like structure

4/4 Resistance: ➡️protests and hunger strikes have been frequent ➡️in October 2025, more than 30 people reportedly began a hunger strike, demanding access to asylum procedures and humane living conditions @mobileinfoteam @BorderCrimSC

3/4 Conditions/Treatment: ➡️a complete lack of educational or recreational activities ➡️some detainees sleep on metal bunk beds with mattresses, while others sleep on the floor with no mattress or blanket ➡️hygiene conditions are repeatedly described as extremely poor

1/4 Shedding light on hidden detention sites with #DetentionLandscapes. 4️⃣ Amygdaleza: ➡️opened in 2012, Greece’s 1st purpose-built detention camp ➡️2nd largest detention site in Greece- connected to a police training academy 15km from Athens

4/4 Resistance: ➡️since 2012, detainees in Xanthi have resisted through protests and hunger strikes ➡️shortly after the centre opened, an Afghan detainee reportedly sewed his lips together in protest against prolonged detention @mobileinfoteam @BorderCrimSC

3/4 Conditions/Treatment: ➡️detainees report detention characterised by extended waiting, limited legal information and no purposeful activities ➡️basic provisions such as shampoo, hygiene items, clothes often lacking

1/4 Shedding light on hidden detention sites with #DetentionLandscapes. 3️⃣ Xanthi: ➡️first detained undocumented people in 2012 ➡️remotely located in northern Greece - far from services ➡️detains men only - both undocumented and asylum seekers

4/4 Resistance: ➡️Despite their isolation, detainees have repeatedly resisted through hunger strikes and other protests. Activist groups, civil society organisations, and human rights bodies have condemned Petrou Ralli for years. @BorderCrimSC @mobileinfoteam

3/4 Conditions/Treatment: ➡️overcrowding ➡️cells as small as 3x5 metres ➡️very limited access to light, outdoors, ventilation ➡️reports of ill-treatment by police

1/4 Shedding light on hidden detention sites with #DetentionLandscapes. 2️⃣Petrou Ralli: ➡️immigration detention facility in Athens ➡️opened in 2005 as one of 1st centres to detain migrants ➡️detainees report monotony, distress, neglect

4/4 Resistance: ➡️In late 2023, detainees went on hunger strike after the death of a 24 year-old Pakistani man in the facility – reportedly due to medical neglect #DetentionLandscapes @BorderCrimSC @mobileinfoteam

3/4 Conditions: ➡️Detainees at Corinth have consistently reported inhumane and degrading treatment, including physical violence, inadequate food, and medical neglect ➡️Many have spent months or years in confinement with no clear communication about the status of their detention

1/4 Shedding light on hidden detention sites with #DetentionLandscapes 1️⃣ Corinth: ➡️built in 2012 on a former military camp, 1hr from Athens ➡️largest immigration detention centre in Greece ➡️ criticised for poor conditions, overcrowding, ill-treatment