Thousands of Greek protesters demand asylum seekers are removed from their islands, as locals claim: ‘You can’t walk alone after dark, people get stabbed’

‘Thousands of Greek protesters have demanded asylum seekers be removed from their islands amid overcrowding and violence at the refugee camps.

The islands of Lesbos, Samos and Chios staged a general strike, shutting down shops and public services and rallying in central squares, with protesters shouting: ‘We want our islands back, we want our lives back.’

The islands of Lesbos, Samos and Chios staged a general strike, shutting down shops and public services and rallying in central squares, many protesters waving Greek flags.

Asylum-seekers should be shared out across Greece and the rest of Europe, 72-year-old Lesbos pensioner Efstratios Peppas said. ‘You can’t walk alone outside after dark, people get stabbed,’ he added.

The main slogan chanted at demonstrations was: ‘We want our islands back, we want our lives back.’

The largest camp of Moria on Lesbos island, with a capacity for 2,840 people, hosts more than 19,000 asylum seekers.’

Read More: Thousands of Greek protesters demand asylum seekers are removed from their islands, as locals claim: ‘You can’t walk alone after dark, people get stabbed’