Xenophobia in Greece by Giorgos Moutafis (31 images)

Brutal attacks and hate crimes have become an almost daily phenomenon in Greece. Racially motivated, violence against migrants and refugees has increased dramatically and although, Greece seems rapped over racist attacks during the last year, incidents began well before 2012.
The seriousness of the problem has expanded in wake of Greece's financial crisis, creating a terrifying xenophobic and anti-immigrant sentiment in an unprecedented recession in Greek society.
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Brutal attacks and hate crimes have become an almost daily phenomenon in Greece. Racially motivated, violence against migrants and refugees has increased dramatically and although, Greece seems rapped over racist attacks during the last year, incidents began well before 2012.
The seriousness of the problem has expanded in wake of Greece's financial crisis, creating a terrifying xenophobic and anti-immigrant sentiment in an unprecedented recession in Greek society.
The true extent of racist violence in Greece is unknown and the recorded incidents are considered to be not even the tip of the iceberg.
Victims are indiscriminately attacked because of the colour of their skin and presumed religion. Brutality knows no borders. Crimes include even torture, as in the case of Walid, a 30-year old Egyptian migrant who was found tied by his neck to a tree with a heavy chain after being tortured for 18 hours in a stable by his employer, his son and two of their friends.
Far right wing parties' popularity soars day by day in the Greek society that goes on its fifth year of recession. For the first time, a neo-Nazi party (Golden Dawn) that openly advocates on a war against the foreigners won its seats in the Parliament. The call for a "clean Greek society" drives perpetrators to mark their victims for life.
Hasan, a 33-year old refugee from Sudan, saw his worst day in his life as he said in the centre of Athens. He was beaten by a group of ten men and stabbed with a knife on his back making the symbols of Golden Dawn.
Hundreds of migrants say they limit their activities because of the fear of racist attacks, but they safety is not certain not even in their houses.
Aman, 25 years old and "sans papier" from Pakistan, was attacked inside the house he was renting with his friends. The door was smashed and five men entered and while beating him they called him to leave Greece and go back to where he came from.
The perpetrators often chose their victims after confirming their lack of legal documents, so to make sure that the way to justice or police is blocked and thus guarantying impunity.
Greece remains the main entry point for thousands of migrants who want to make their first step into Europe. More than two-thirds of people making the clandestine journey into the European Union pass through Greece from neighbouring Turkey. According to the European Court of Justice in 2011, 90 per cent of all irregular entry into Europe was through the Greek borders.
With limited access to asylum procedure, very few work opportunities and no recourse to public services or protection, migrants' situation is rapidly deteriorating and migrants serve as the best scapegoats.
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