Greece has started detaining all migrants who arrive on small boats from northern Africa and denying them the right to apply for asylum.

The new migration minister, Thanos Plevris, said the measure was justified, for three months initially, because the island of Crete has seen a surge in arrivals from Libya at the height of tourist season.

Human rights lawyers have criticised the move.

The right for anyone to request protection, or asylum, is inscribed in EU and international law and in the constitution of Greece itself.

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