Why is knife crime deadlier than Covid-19 in Moria camp?

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Knife Crime Poses Greater Threat Than Covid-19 in Moria Camp

Knife crime has emerged as a more immediate and lethal threat within Greece's Moria asylum-seeker camp compared to the coronavirus. While Covid-19 has not officially been detected within the camp, which is severely overcrowded, five individuals have lost their lives due to stabbings since the beginning of the year, with ten others sustaining injuries. This stark reality overshadows the presence of the virus, which has led to a nationwide lockdown of migrant facilities since March.
Fatalities and Injuries from Stabbings

The camp on the island of Lesbos has witnessed a significant number of violent incidents involving knives. These attacks have resulted in five fatalities, including a woman and a young boy, and have left ten other individuals injured. Two of these violent encounters occurred in the main square of Mytilene, the port capital. Residents describe a daily increase in unrest, with nightly knife fights becoming a common occurrence, fostering a pervasive sense of fear, particularly for children.
Ethnic Tensions Fueling Violence

Interpersonal violence within Moria is frequently exacerbated by ethnic tensions, specifically between Afghanistan's Hazara and Tajik communities. Asylum seekers report being targeted based on their ethnicity, with individuals who do not identify with either group being perceived as adversaries by both sides. This volatile social dynamic contributes to the ongoing instability and a heightened risk of violent confrontations.
Impact of Lockdown Measures

The lockdown, initially implemented on March 18 and extended multiple times, most recently to June 21, has been criticised by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) as discriminatory and counter-productive. MSF stated that these restrictions further limit asylum seekers' already scarce access to essential services and medical care. The organization argues that the lockdown is not justifiable from a public health perspective, especially given that the population is at risk due to overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and the impossibility of social distancing, rather than posing a risk themselves. The planned relocation of over 2,300 asylum seekers to the mainland has also been delayed due to the pandemic, exacerbating the conditions within the island camps.

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Why is knife crime deadlier than Covid-19 in Moria camp?

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