- 44 76.
On the first floor of the Thessaloniki Metagogon (Transfer) Centre, the Aliens Department
was accommodating 106 irregular migrants in eight cells (each measuring some 50 m²) in
conditions similar to those held in the transfer centre on the ground floor (see paragraph 41 above).
The cells were not equipped with plinths, and detainees slept on the floor on mattresses; they were
provided with blankets, but many of them were worn and dirty. The Centre offered no activities to
the detained persons and did not even possess an outdoor exercise yard, although it seemed that
possibilities existed for creating one.
77.
With respect to the special holding facilities, the CPT calls upon the Greek authorities
to take the necessary steps to ensure that:
- official occupancy rates are revised so as to offer a minimum of 4 m² of space per
detainee in multi-occupancy accommodation, and are respected in practice;
- all detainees are offered a bed or plinth, mattress, blanket and bedding, all clean;
- all detainees have ready access to toilet facilities, including at night;
- all detainees are offered at least one hour of outdoor exercise a day;
- each facility has a common association room, equipped with television and games, and
a room for prayers;
- regular maintenance work and disinfection is carried out and sufficient funding is
made available to this end;
- sufficient quantities of detergent and products for personal hygiene are made available
at all times to detainees.
Further, for persons detained longer than a few days, a programme of activities
(educational, recreational and vocational) should be developed.
4.
Unaccompanied minors
78.
The Amygdaleza Special holding facility for unaccompanied minors, located within the
grounds of the Athens police training academy, is sited within a warehouse-type structure. At the
time of the visit, the Centre was accommodating 36 male juveniles from 14 to 17 years of age. They
were held in four large rooms (each measuring approximately 55 m²) with high ceilings, equipped
with 10 concrete plinths for sleeping purposes and 10 concrete benches, which were used inter alia
for storing belongings. Consequently, the envisaged living space per detainee was sufficient.
However, there was limited access to natural light and the artificial lighting was inadequate.
Further, the rooms were cold and dank and heating devices had been removed despite the cool
night-time temperatures.47 The Centre had one common room with a television and a small concrete
outdoor exercise yard, fully sheltered and enclosed with metal bars. A sanitary annexe contained
five toilets and five showers; it was in a dilapidated state. The delegation was informed that
refurbishment works were planned.
47
In any event, they were apparently totally insufficient for the size of the rooms.
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