Greek court drops migrant shipwreck case against nine Egyptians

·

A Greek court has dismissed charges against nine Egyptian men suspected of creating one of the Mediterranean’s deadliest shipwrecks.

The deadly boat tragedy saw over 600 people die when the Adriana, carrying an estimated 750 migrants from Libya to Italy, capsized in the international waters off the Greek town of Pylos on June 14, 2023.

According to The Guardian, the Greek judge stated that their courts lacked jurisdiction over the case because the accident occurred in international seas. Supporters rallied outside in support of the defendants. 

One of nine Egyptians who was on trial waves to the media as he leaves court in Kalamata on 21 May. PhotoThanassis StavrakisAP. Photo The Guardian.
One of nine Egyptians who was on trial waves to the media as he leaves court in Kalamata on 21 May. Photo: Thanassis Stavrakis/AP/The Guardian.
An image provided by the Greek coastguard on 14 June 2023 shows the overcrowded Adriana before it sank. Photo AP.
An image provided by the Greek coastguard on 14 June 2023 shows the overcrowded Adriana before it sank. Photo: AP News.

“After almost a year of wrongful detention these nine men can now enjoy their freedom,” said one of the men’s lawyers, Alexandros Georgoulis.

 “This is a very important ruling that will set a precedent when it comes to judging cases that take place in international waters. It is an outcome that has made us all very happy.”

“The court not only agreed it was incompetent to try the case but found the defendants innocent of illegal smuggling and illegal entry [into Greece],” said Georgoulis, speaking outside the courtroom.

“That really wasn’t expected.”

Defence lawyer, Vicky Aggelidou, who represented two of the accused men, claimed the Egyptians, who have since applied for asylum, would almost certainly seek compensation for their time in prison.

“It was a heroic decision [to free the men] that was absolutely right, absolutely fair and should have been taken long ago”, Aggelidou said.

Source: The Guardian

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Sydney Olympic and South Melbourne set for derby showdown at Jubilee Stadium

Sydney Olympic and South Melbourne reignite their rivalry at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium for another chapter in the Australian Championship.

Sydney Olympic AGM: Hanlin tackles logo backlash, funding offers and a new direction

Sydney Olympic FC held its AGM on Tuesday, where President Damon Hanlin presented a wide-ranging update on the club’s future direction.

A legacy continued: Celebrating 50 years of the Navarino Society of SA

The 50th anniversary of the Navarino (Pylion) Society of South Australia was marked with a night of pride, nostalgia, and optimism.

Renos Haralambidis reflects on time, art, and the spirit of Hellenism during Sydney visit

Greek filmmaker Renos Haralambidis concluded an insightful and warmly received visit to Sydney, which featured his entire body of work.

Oakleigh Grammar marks OXI Day with heartfelt tributes and student-led performances

With emotion, pride, and deep respect for history, Oakleigh Grammar held its annual celebration for OXI Day on Tuesday, October 28. 

You May Also Like

Charges laid after Melbourne man Efstratios found dead in veggie patch

A 40-year-old man has been charged with murder after the body of missing man Efstratios, 53, was discovered buried in a vegetable patch.

Trust-building steps taken in Cyprus, but peace talks still elusive

Cyprus' rival leaders, Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, made some progress on Wednesday.

Two dead in Magnesia as wildfires erupt in central Greece

Wildfires in the central Greek prefecture of Magnesia claimed the lives of two people on Wednesday, according to Ekathimerini.