REFUGEES asked the European Union yesterday to explain why they have been abandoned inside Greece’s most notorious migrant detention centre as the world battles against the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Two refugees were shot following a protest outside Moria refugee camp, Lesbos police confirmed today, though the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear.  

According to some reports in the Greek media, the migrants were shot inside the camp as police officers were suppressing the demonstration. Others suggested it took place several kilometres outside the camp.

According to a police statement today, the two victims were taken to Lesbos hospital with light injuries. 

Several protests have been staged this week against the unsanitary conditions inside Moria camp, which was built to hold around 3,000 people but now contains close to 18,000. 

Around 300 African refugees took their anger to the streets yesterday, demonstrating “against their horrific living conditions, racist politics and for the freedom of movement,” the human-rights NGO Mare Liberum posted on Twitter.

The charity shared a moving video of a man speaking out against their mistreatment. 

“I appeal to the international community, to the EU, to the Greek government, please find a solution for us refugees of Moria,” the refugee says in French.  

"In Moria we have been exposed since the winter in small tents, without electricity, without water, without decent food. This is not humanity. 

“We have risked our lives crossing the Aegean sea, and we didn't come here to be abandoned. We came here in search of peace, justice, a worthy life, good governments. Why have you abandoned the migrants that are here around me?

“There is Coronavirus here. They don't give us protection, not even soap. All the NGOs cannot continue working here.

“We are abandoned here with our children, there are mothers with small babies. Where is the world? Is this Europe? 

“You imposed burdens on Africa, you created wars in Africa. [These are the] reasons we flee from our countries. If we are here it is because of you!”