Police arrest two Spanish nationalis in connection with Idomeni clashes

Greek police have arrested two Spanish men on suspicion of taking part in clashes between refugees and other migrants and police of Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) at the Idomeni border crossing.

Police say the suspects, aged 27 and 28, allegedly threw stones and sticks at FYROM police during Wednesday’s violence on Greece’s northern border with FYROM.

Police said Thursday the men identified themselves as volunteers trying to help people trapped in the informal camp of 11,000, and not members of any organized charity.

Greek officials say some volunteers at Idomeni have been fomenting violence by encouraging migrants to try to force their way into FYROM, or not cooperate with authorities.

Eight foreign volunteers — German, Norwegian, Czech and Spanish nationals — have been detained for allegedly possessing drugs, weapons or unregistered walkie-talkies.