A  UN Anti-Torture Task Force is currently visiting Athens to investigate the recent deaths of two migrants in police stations of the Greek capital. the Unit is assigned to investigate and inspect cases of possible torture, mistreatment, and violations of prisoners’ human rights.

The UN unit called the “Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment” (SPT), arrived in Athens on tuesday and will be on a 12-day mission, as part of its regular audits of police stations, migrant detention centers, correctional facilities or prisons, and border security checkpoints.

Citing police sources, state broadcaster ERT reported that the visit comes in the wake of the death of a 29-year-old Mia Harizul from Bangladesh who was reported to have been found hanged in a police station. it should be also recalled that a few days earlier another migrant, Mohamed Kamran Asik, a 37-year-old delivery worker from Pakistan, was also found dead in his cell in the police station of Agios Panteleimonas in Athens.

The UN anti-torture task force will conduct a series of in-person interviews with high-ranking officers, including the Greek police, the Coast Guard, and the Ombudsman.

Reports suggest the Ombudsman will raise serious issues of misconduct by Greek law enforcement services during the meeting with the UN unit.

According to media information, the leadership of the Greek police (EL.AS) has instructed all officers and services to cooperate with the UN team and grant its members full access to all areas, including detention facilities, without restrictions or escort.

The internal document forwarded emphasizes that the inspectors have the right to interview detained individuals or anyone else without exception.