76 Migrants Detained in Crete Amid Smuggling Increase

Greek authorities on the island of Crete detained 76 migrants from Syria, Egypt, Sudan, and Bangladesh after they arrived via three boats, as smugglers adapt to evade coast guard patrols. These migrants included six children and were taken for identification and processing, with the possibility of applying for asylum. Smugglers are increasingly using longer routes to Crete due to relaxed patrols compared to traditional paths near Turkey. The Greek government is considering establishing state-funded processing centers on the island, as current housing conditions are inadequate, utilizing sports facilities and abandoned buildings. So far this year, over 28,000 migrants have arrived illegally in Greece, which is slightly lower than numbers seen in Italy and Spain, while criticisms from human rights organizations regarding migrant treatment continue. The Greek government has denied allegations of brutal coast guard practices reported by BBC, which purportedly led to numerous deaths.