Oxford Researchers Find Dozens of Unreported Deaths in Greek Detention Centres

More than 100 foreign nationals have died in Greek police stations and migrant detention facilities since 2000, with dozens of cases missing from official records, according to research published by Oxford University researchers on Tuesday. The study documented 112 deaths over 26 years, including 44 suicides. It found that 84 deaths occurred in police stations without medical staff, while another 27 were reported in migrant detention facilities.

The research identified 34 deaths that were absent from official police statistics but documented through media reports, human rights organisations and international monitoring groups. Researchers highlighted serious gaps in official records and inadequate access to healthcare for detainees, including in facilities receiving European Union funding. The findings also raised concerns about a lack of medical supervision and support for people experiencing mental health difficulties while in custody.

The report follows concerns raised by the Council of Europe’s anti-torture committee, which warned in 2026 that deaths in Greek police custody had increased and that some might have been preventable with proper healthcare and supervision. The committee also reported overcrowded detention facilities and poor living conditions. Greece has said it is working to address these problems through a 2025–2030 action plan aimed at improving detention conditions, protecting prisoners’ rights and reducing overcrowding.

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