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Refugee electrocuted touching railway cables as protests break out on Greek-Macedonian border

The man is the second refugee to be electrocuted in recent days

Alexandra Sims
Thursday 03 December 2015 15:23 GMT
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Refugees clash with Greek police as they wait to cross the Greek-Macedonian border
Refugees clash with Greek police as they wait to cross the Greek-Macedonian border (SAKIS MITROLIDIS/AFP/Getty Images)

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A refugee has been electrocuted to death at the Greek-Macedonian border during the second day of clashes between police and refugees in the area.

The man, believed to be from Morocco, died after touching a high-power wire among overhead railway cables while climbing on top of a train carriage.

The man’s severely burnt body was lowered to the ground by other refugees and laid next to railway lines.

He was pronounced dead at the scene by an anonymous volunteer doctor.

Refugees flash the 'V for victory' sign during a demonstration as they block the Greek-Macedonian border Getty
Refugees flash the 'V for victory' sign during a demonstration as they block the Greek-Macedonian border Getty

This is the second electrocution to occur in recent days. Last Saturday, a 24-year-old Moroccan man also suffered severe burns after touching an overhead railway cable.

The death came amid violent scuffles on the border, near Idomen, Greece, following a decision by Macedonian authorities’ to allow only refugees from Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria to cross.

Groups of people from other countries have set up makeshift roadblocks in retaliation.

On Wednesday, several hundred people blocked the crossing shouting: "If we don't cross, no one does!"; while on Thursday, empty barrels and pieces of wood and metal were used to create a 120 metre-long barrier along the border.

A 30-year-old Pakistani man, known only as Eli, who has been living in Greece for six years and wishes to go on to Germany said: “Why aren’t they allowing us to cross?

“We’re waiting until they open [the border]. Why is there this discrimination going on?”

Refugees throw stones during clashes as they wait to cross Greek-Macedonia border Getty
Refugees throw stones during clashes as they wait to cross Greek-Macedonia border Getty (SAKIS MITROLIDIS/AFP/Getty Images)

Protests have involved people throwing rocks and at least two men have been injured from being hit, Reuters reports.

Greek riot police have been deployed in the area and have formed a barrier to protect refugees waiting on the Greek side of the border.

The Greek government says it is trying to persuade those stuck in camps at the border in near-freezing temperatures to come to Athens and apply for asylum in Greece.

Additional reporting by Associated Press

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