Algerian migrants have reportedly clashed at a migrant reception centre in Monastir, Sardinia, injuring four people. Police have warned that migrants are 'crammed together' in the center and have not been tested for COVID-19.
At the migrant reception centre in Monastir, Sardinia, a group of Algerians clashed during the night between Sunday and Monday morning, fighting and throwing objects. Four people were slightly injured in the violence at the center, which currently houses more than 200 people.
"Tension is through the roof," said Luca Agati, provincial secretary of the SAP Cagliari police union. "We have had to manage new violent clashes," he said.
Those responsible for the clashes were identified and reported.
No COVID-19 tests for 15 days
Meanwhile, the police union sent a letter to the police chief expressing concerns about the risk of COVID-19 infections.
"It has been more than 15 days since coronavirus tests have been administered to new arrivals," said Agati.
"We have crammed together more than 200 people, who arrived at different times, and who live in total close proximity without knowing the possible viral loads," he said.
Union denounces risks for officers
According to the police, Monastir is "a potential hotbed of infected people, who come into contact every day with all those who work on the police force. Every day that goes by without the necessary health checks is an added day of risk, a terrible bet with destiny."
Agati also suggested the migrants' behavior was adding to the threat: "The migrants arm themselves, break everything, act boldly, continually climb over and leave the facility. What needs to happen before there's a solution to this shameful situation?," he said.