2 migrants captured after 10 freed in riot at Greek detention center

Two Pakistanis who escaped from an immigrant detention center in Athens, Greece, during a weekend riot have been captured, officials said. Eight escaped prisoners were still being sought, Ekathimerini reported Monday. Ten police officers and a number of migrants were injured in the disturbance, during which mattresses were set on fire and officers were pelted with stones. The riot is believed to have begun as a protest over a recent decision to extend the maximum stay at the center from 12 months to 18 months, the report said. The riot broke out after a loss of electrical power Saturday caused the air conditioning to stop working but police said detainees had been critical for some time of conditions at the facility. The center had recently been the scene of hunger strikes and small-scale demonstrations. Greek Police spokesman Christos Parthenis denied claims Monday of overcrowding at the center. The facility has a capacity of 2,000 detainees, and currently holds 1,600 migrants, he said. Forty-two migrants face charges for their alleged involvement in the disturbance.