The Dark Legacy of Vital Hasson: A Jewish Collaborator in WWII Greece

In Athens, Greece, thousands of demonstrators gathered to demand justice for the victims of the 2023 train disaster that resulted in 57 fatalities. The tragedy occurred when a passenger train, carrying 350 people, collided with a freight train near the village of Tempi. The impact caused the front carriages to ignite, leading to a high number of casualties primarily due to a fire involving prohibited chemicals on the cargo train rather than the collision itself. The protests featured the slogan "I don't have oxygen," highlighting the horrendous circumstances surrounding many deaths. The incident has sparked widespread criticism regarding railway safety standards and the government's handling of the investigation that followed. Tensions escalated as riot police clashed with protesters, employing tear gas while demonstrators hurled sticks and objects at officers. The ongoing demonstrations reflect deep-seated public outrage over safety issues in Greece's railway system and demand accountability from authorities in light of such a devastating incident.

Recent investigations have revealed that the European Union-funded refugee camps in Greece, specifically in Samos, Kos, and Leros, operate under stringent surveillance measures that raise serious human rights concerns. Established in response to the 2020 refugee crisis, these camps are equipped with advanced technology, including AI-powered security cameras and drones that monitor residents continuously. In October 2023, Palestinian and Syrian refugees staged protests amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. During these demonstrations, security systems detected the unrest, triggering lockdowns without police intervention. Critics argue that the invasive surveillance violates residents' privacy rights and undermines fundamental freedoms as the camps impose strict internal regulations, with penalties ranging from food deprivation to expulsion. Interviews with residents highlight harsh living conditions, compounded by a lack of basic services despite the camps' technological focus. Reportedly, the facilities face disrepair and resource shortages while heavily investing in monitoring systems. Moreover, recent fines imposed by the Greek Data Protection Authority suggest systemic failures to comply with data protection regulations, drawing attention to a lack of transparency regarding data collection and usage practices. Rights defenders stress the importance of responsiveness towards humanitarian needs rather than stringent control measures in a context where refugee populations are already vulnerable. The situation in these camps illustrates broader issues surrounding migration policy in Europe.

In response to a severe two-year drought, Greece is exploring a proposal that would allow coastal hotels on its islands to fill swimming pools with seawater. The initiative is set to be debated in the Greek parliament, aiming to alleviate the pressure on the dwindling freshwater resources exacerbated by the upcoming tourist season. Elena Rapti, the deputy minister of tourism, emphasized the legislation's goals, stating that it would establish a framework for the extraction and pumping of seawater into hotel swimming pools. This measure is designed to conserve freshwater and redirect these vital resources to areas facing more significant shortages. The move comes amid growing concerns about the environmental impact such a policy could have on coastal ecosystems. Critics fear that discharging seawater back into the ocean could disrupt marine life. Additionally, Greece has faced increasing challenges with wildfires, linked to hotter and drier summers, which they attribute to climate change. As hotel occupancy increases during the peak tourist season, officials hope this approach will help manage the water crisis while accommodating the influx of visitors.