He has plenty of counter arguments. “It often burns there, that’s dangerous for those people. And when it rains, that valley fills with water, which is not safe either.” After the camera went out, he mumbles that he doesn’t like the idea either, so many strange people around.
People in the tent camp are also concerned about the imminent transfer. Because little is known about how strict the movement restrictions really will be, they hear the craziest stories. Strong terms like detention camp and forced incarceration are circulating quickly. “Have you seen the camp madam?” They ask. “Could you live there?”
The containers will be better, they think. But the fact that there is air conditioning can be stolen. “I had that in Syria. There I also had a bathroom with a shower. But I didn’t come here for luxury. I want to study and work. I came here for a future.”
Government persists
The Greek government continues. The transfer has been postponed several times due to the coronavirus, but is now scheduled for the end of the year.
The Syrian boys hope that by then there will be a definite answer about their asylum application, but they fear not. Ask them why they hate the prospect of the camp beyond and their tone changes. “A closed camp? Are you serious? Look at us. We are human. We have done nothing wrong.”
One of them falls down despondently. “I’d rather stay here.”
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