A report by the Athens-based Racist Violence Recording Network (RVRN) paints a disturbing picture of rising hate crimes in Greece.
In 2023, the organization documented 158 attacks against migrants, refugees, and LGBT people, a significant increase from 74 incidents in 2022.
This marks the highest level of violence against these groups since 2015, the peak of Europe’s migration crisis.
The report highlights a concerning trend: a climate of hostility fueled by the rise of far-right political parties.
Greece’s recent elections saw three ultra-nationalist parties secure seats in parliament, potentially emboldening prejudice.
This trend aligns with predictions of a broader European shift towards tougher immigration policies, with far-right parties anticipated to gain ground in upcoming European Parliament elections.
The documented attacks encompass a spectrum of perpetrators, ranging from isolated individuals to organized groups.
The report raises particular alarm regarding the emergence of organized racist violence.
Furthermore, RVRN details instances of “intense and continuous” violence at the borders, perpetrated not only by individuals but also by security officials, suggesting a pattern of systemic discrimination.
While the Greek migration ministry insists on adhering to legal protocols and investigating complaints, rights groups continue to accuse authorities of mistreating migrants and refugees.
These accusations include allegations of pushbacks, the forceful deportation of asylum seekers, which the government denies.
