Migrants clashed with police at a detention center in northern Greece, with 35 having escaped the premises after cutting through a perimeter fence before police detained about half of them again, authorities said on Sunday.

Greece is a major point of entry for migrants to Europe, and the country's conservative prime minister has introduced tough rules to deport those who've been denied asylum in the country.

Greece, along with other European Union countries, for example, is in talks with African countries about establishing centers for failed asylum-seekers, a move that has drawn criticism from international rights groups.

Police deploy flashbangs during clashes

Police said they called for reinforcement to the detention center in Sintiki, a few kilometers from the Bulgarian border, after migrants threw rocks at police.

Authorities used flash-bang grenades against people during those clashes, which they said lasted until the early hours of Sunday morning.

At least five migrants were injured and taken to the hospital. Police recaptured 17 of those who escaped and the search continued for 18 others.

The temporary accommodation center houses about 450 people while their applications are processed, a protracted procedure that can take a long time.

Author: Roshni Majumdar with AP, dpa

First published: August 23, 2026

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