Our World: Nov 28

BBC World News Our World today looks at how financial problems in Greece is even impacting on burials.

Greece’s cities are running out of room to bury the dead. Most graves are now rented rather than owned, and, after three years, the bodies are exhumed to make space for new arrivals.

For those who can afford to pay, the exhumed bones are stored in an ossuary. For those who can’t, the bones are thrown into a communal pit. Cremation is not an option. It’s forbidden by the Greek orthodox church and all attempts to open crematoriums have failed.

As Greeks struggle under austerity, the business of burying the dead has become prohibitively expensive; stressful and chaotic. Chloe Hadjimatheou reports from Greece for Our World. Viewers may find some scenes in this programme upsetting.

10:30pm Saturday on BBC World News