ATHENS: Hundreds of illegal immigrants being held at a Greek detention centre observed a hunger strike on Monday to protest the death of a Pakistani inmate and conditions at the overcrowded camp.

The strike at the centre in Amygdaleza, which is 10km from Athens, comes after the death of Mohamed Asfak on Nov 6, who had been held there after making his way to Europe from Pakistan.

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Asfak had suffered serious respiratory problems for months, though he was only hospitalised as his condition became life threatening, according to Greek anti-racism group Keerfa.

There was no word from officials on how he died.

According to Keerfa, police beat Asfak during a protest at another detention centre in Corinth several months ago and he repeatedly asked for treatment for his injuries, but didn’t receive help until recently.

Migrant groups have repeatedly criticised the overcrowded conditions and lack of infrastructure at the camp in Amyg­daleza which was to hold 1,000 immigrants, but is home to double that number. Greece is one of the key ports of entry into Europe for many thousands of migrants every year.

Published in Dawn, November 18th, 2014