Three activists on Friday jumped in the sea at the Mytilene Port to prevent the departure of a ship carrying 45 migrants to be deported to Turkey.
As per the European Union-Turkey agreement that went in effect on Monday, the second batch of migrants who had entered Greece illegally from Turkey, were sent back to Turkey on Friday. The first batch of refugees were sent to Dekili in Turkey on Monday, but the deportation process stopped on Tuesday due to red tape difficulties.
The deportations resumed today amid reactions from activists. According to an Alpha television report, a group of three activists jumped in the water and started swimming around the ship on which 45 migrants were on board. The activists wanted to block the ship from sailing.
The three activists were apprehended by the Hellenic Coast Guard and the ship sailed for Turkey. Another 100 migrants are expected to be sent back to Turkey later in the day.
Migrants refuse to leave Piraeus Port
According to figures issued by the Greek government, 4,665 migrants and refugees have camped at Piraeus Port refusing to be transferred to refugee hospitality centers.
Despite Greek police efforts, migrants remain adamant. On Friday morning, activists distributed pamphlets in Arabic urging refugees and migrants to remain in the port and refuse to be taken to migrant hospitality facilities. The pamphlets say that European borders will open again and those who agree to go to hospitality centers will be detained there and might be deported to Turkey.
Also, a man with a megaphone speaking in Arabic was calling on refugees for a mass rally at Syntagma Square on Saturday.
Greek authorities have not intervened to stop NGOs and individual activists who call on migrants to disobey to Greek government instructions.
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