The European Union’s border protection agency, Frontex, announced on Tuesday, April 8, that it is investigating multiple allegations of human rights violations by Greece in its handling of illegal immigration.
The agency is reviewing 12 serious incidents, mostly from 2024, but did not provide further details.
Frontex spokesperson Chris Borowski stated that the agency recently strengthened its complaint mechanism. There has been no immediate response from the Greek government.
Greece has faced growing international criticism, particularly after a 2023 migrant boat tragedy off its southern coast that claimed hundreds of lives.
In January, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Greece’s use of summary expulsions, known as “pushbacks,” was systematic.
The Greek government denies these accusations, arguing that its coast guard has rescued over 250,000 migrants in distress at sea and that its actions comply with both national and international law.
Greece maintains that it focuses on deterring illegal crossings to its eastern islands, a primary entry point into the EU, but does not carry out summary deportations.
Frontex, which typically refrains from criticising host countries, emphasised its commitment to addressing the alleged violations in cooperation with Greece.
Borowski affirmed, “Every Frontex officer deployed is trained and obligated to report potential violations… We believe change comes from partnership, not passivity.”
Source: AP.
