US State Department slams Greece on human rights violations - Report details abuse against refugees and discrimination

ANSAmed
Athens - The US State Department's annual report on human rights is anything but positive for Greece, with the report making reference to refugee abuse, anti-Semitism and discrimination against Roma gypsies.

As daily To Vima online reports, The US State Department is particularly concerned about violent attitudes towards migrants.

In the report it is stated that despite the efficient inspections of Greek authorities, there are instances of members from the country's security forces being involved in human rights violations. Among others, the report details refers to the dire living conditions in migrant detention centers and prisons, abuse against refugees, prisoners and demonstrators, as well as the actions of the neo-Nazi Golden Dawn party.

Regarding freedom of speech, the report stresses that while it is regulated and legally protected, there have been "exceptions", in reference to race and social distinctions.

Other findings include the excessive use of police violence against demonstrators and attacks against journalists.

The report cites a number of reports from other international groups, such as Amnesty International and the Human Rights Watch.