Syrian refugees stage hunger strike in front of Greek parliament
- 9 years ago
Syrian refugees are demanding their message is heard, though their voices stay silent.
More than 150 Syrians are on a hunger strike outside the Greek parliament, requesting asylum from the government.
They say they do not have adequate food and shelter in Greece... and claim they've fallen prey to local mafia in their search for a new home.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) SYRIAN REFUGEE AMMAR SAYING:
"My money is almost finished, and we all here have to deal with the mafia. We don't have legal papers, we can't rent a house, we can't do anything."
In recent years, Greece has been swamped with an increasing number of illegal migrants from conflict zones.
Specifically from Syria, where -- according to the United Nations -- a bloody civil war has killed around 200,000 people.
And as the battle rages on, a steady stream of civilians continue to flee across the border.
More than 150 Syrians are on a hunger strike outside the Greek parliament, requesting asylum from the government.
They say they do not have adequate food and shelter in Greece... and claim they've fallen prey to local mafia in their search for a new home.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) SYRIAN REFUGEE AMMAR SAYING:
"My money is almost finished, and we all here have to deal with the mafia. We don't have legal papers, we can't rent a house, we can't do anything."
In recent years, Greece has been swamped with an increasing number of illegal migrants from conflict zones.
Specifically from Syria, where -- according to the United Nations -- a bloody civil war has killed around 200,000 people.
And as the battle rages on, a steady stream of civilians continue to flee across the border.