Refugees on hunger strike in the Czech Republic

Dozens of refugees have started a hunger strike in one of the detention centers in the Czech Republic, protesting the length of their stay, according to volunteers visiting the facility, reports the Patria News Agency.

The Czech Republic has avoided large migrations across its territory, as hundreds of thousands of people fleeing war in the Middle East and poverty have chosen an easier route from the Balkans to Germany via Austria.

The strike began on Tuesday at the newly opened Drahonice center, 90 kilometers west of Prague.

In the morning, there were 44 people who started the hunger strike, and in the afternoon, there were more than 60, volunteer Petra Dams told Reuters.

According to her, tensions rose when 40 people were transferred from Drahovice at three in the morning, increasing the fears of others of deportation. Detention officials were not available for comment.

Most of the 144 refugees in Drahonice were brought from another detention center in Bela Jazova, which was heavily criticized for the conditions there.

Czech detentions usually last up to 90 days and apply to most migrants who do not seek asylum in the country.

In the first nine months, there were 7,201, and many, upon release, continued their journey to Germany.