Interview Subject
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Contributing Organization
TSOS
Home Country
Afghanistan
Description
Bilal was 23 years old when he drowned in Greece. He was cheerful, intelligent, and full of energy.
He was a journalist in Afghanistan who received a death threat from the Taliban. His family decided that he should flee the country alone for survival since they couldn’t afford for the whole family to go.
He escaped from the camp in Moria by finding a hole in the fence. He outran the police, found a ship in port, and jumped on it as it was leaving. He later had 10 unsuccessful attempts to leave Greece for Germany. He was caught by police from Greece, Serbia, and Bulgaria. He said he would try 40 more times and wouldn’t stop until he escaped.
He explained the dire situation of refugees in Greece. Many have used up their money but cannot get work from the camps. On top of that, there is great difficulty in seeking asylum. He says Syrians are allowed in easier due to the war, but Afghanistan is just as dangerous. He came to Greece for safety—not enjoyment—but hasn’t found it. He sought human rights in Europe and was greatly disappointed.
Document Type
Interview
Interview Date
2016
Interview Location
Greece
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Digital Humanities Commons, Diplomatic History Commons, Ethnic Studies Commons, Human Geography Commons, Immigration Law Commons, International Relations Commons, Islamic Studies Commons, Islamic World and Near East History Commons, Medicine and Health Sciences Commons, Near and Middle Eastern Studies Commons, Oral History Commons, Photography Commons
