The United States embassy in Athens warned its
citizens of possible threats to their safety and security on Friday
following the rise of racist attacks in Greece over the past few
months.
Human rights organisations in Greece have warned of an sharp
increase in racist violence against illegal immigrants over the past
year in Greece, following elections in May and June that saw dramatic
gains by the extreme far-right party Golden Dawn.
We "inform US citizens of a rise in unprovoked harassment and
violent attacks against persons who, because of their complexion, are
perceived to be foreign migrants," an embassy said.
"US citizens most at risk are those of African, Asian, Hispanic or
Middle Eastern decent in Athens and other major cities."
Many immigrants have reportedly been assaulted with knives, bats
and dogs.
For years the southern Mediterranean country has been a major
entry point for hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants seeking a
better life in the European Union.
But as the country enters a sixth year of recession and
unemployment soars to more than 25 per cent many of the foreigners
have now become a convenient scapegoat to the countries financial
problems.
