ATHENS: Authorities in Greece say more than 120 migrants were intercepted off the island of Crete early Monday, the latest in a series of arrivals despite a suspension of asylum claims and plans for tougher detention rules.
Two boats, carrying 58 and 68 people and believed to have departed from Libya, were stopped and the passengers placed under guard at temporary shelters. More than 100 other migrants arrived on Crete over the weekend after strong winds eased.
Greece’s conservative government last month suspended all asylum claims for migrants arriving by sea from North Africa, a move it argued helped deter crossings that peaked in July at more than 2,500 in a single week.
The government remains at odds with regional authorities in Crete over a plan to build a permanent transit facility on the island. It is preparing draft legislation, to be submitted after the summer recess, that would mandate imprisonment for migrants whose asylum claims are denied and require ankle monitors during a 30-day compliance period before deportation.
Greek island sees surge in migrant boat arrivals despite harsher detention policy
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Greek island sees surge in migrant boat arrivals despite harsher detention policy
- Greece’s conservative government last month suspended all asylum claims for migrants arriving by sea from North Africa
Britain’s King Charles honors UK train attack ‘hero’ Samir Zitouni
- Zitouni was hailed a hero for protecting passengers during a knife attack on a train in England last month
LONDON: King Charles met “heroic ” British-Arab train guard Samir Zitouni at a reception at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.
Zitouni was hailed a hero for protecting passengers during a knife attack on a train in England last month.
The king was pictured shaking hands with Zitouni, who was seriously injured when he intervened as an attacker stabbed passengers on a Doncaster to London service on Nov. 1.
The train was diverted to Huntingdon station in Cambridgeshire following the incident.
Known as Sam to friends, Zitouni attended the reception with his wife, Eleni Sakkoulei, alongside members of the public and railway staff who displayed exceptional bravery during the attack.
The suspect arrested in connection with the incident has been charged with multiple offenses, including possession of a bladed article on Nov. 1, as well as other offenses in the hours leading up to the attack.
He remains in custody pending court hearings scheduled for next year.
A GoFundMe page set up to support Zitouni, who has worked for LNER for more than 20 years, has raised almost £80,000 ($107,000).
In a statement shared on the crowdfunding page, Zitouni’s wife said he “acted as a shield to protect the lives of others,” adding that he would do the same “for anyone, regardless of color, age, gender, religion or origin.”
Fund organizer Gemma Royce said the appeal was launched while Zitouni was in critical condition in hospital, to allow the family to focus on his recovery.
LNER managing director David Horne said Zitouni’s actions were “incredibly brave,” adding that the company was proud of all staff who showed courage during the incident.
UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said Mr. Zitouni had gone to work to do his job and “left a hero,” while shadow transport secretary Richard Holden said he would be nominating him for a gallantry award.
