Refugee activist facing Greek court left ‘in limbo’ after trial postponed

·

24 aid workers accused of espionage, forgery, and intercepting radio frequencies in Greece are in legal “limbo” after their trial was postponed. 

Irish law student Seán Binder is among them and also faces charges of human trafficking, money laundering, and fraud during his work for the now-defunct NGO Emergency Response Centre International (ECRI).

“I may not have been found guilty today but effectively I’m still not free. 

The criminalization of humanitarianism continues,” he told the Guardian.

The aid workers, almost all volunteers, include Greek and foreigners who had participated in search and rescue work on Lesbos.

Former ERCI volunteer and competitive swimmer Sarah Mardini, who helped save 18 Syrian refugees from drowning when their dinghy sunk off Turkey, is being tried. 

Mardini and Binder have spent 106 days in pre-trial detention, with Mardini incarcerated in Athens’ high-security Korydallos prison. 

Under Greek law, they can be held in custody pending trial for up to 18 months.

If ultimately convicted, both could face 25 years in prison. 

Seán Binder and Sarah Mardini, volunteer rescue workers for an organization in Lesvos (Photo: ©Amnesty International)

Mardini’s lawyer Haris Petsalnikos suggests the charges may be “the most serious any aid worker has ever faced.” 

Protestors across Europe are calling for the charges to be dropped. 

The European Parliament has condemned the trial. 

Outside the Lesbos court, protestors held banners reading “saving lives is not a crime”. 

“Today’s decision adds to the ordeal of the defendants and compounds the violation of their human rights,” said Amnesty International’s Giorgos Kosmopoulos.

The trial highlights growing hostility towards NGOs involved in migrant solidarity work and mounting accusations against the Greek government of migrant pushbacks. 

Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has denied the alleged pushbacks, arguing that Greek patrols “intercept” migrant boats, as EU law allows, until Turkish coastguard vessels collect them.

He has accepted his government pursues “a tough but fair” migrant policy.

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

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. 

South Melbourne FC shines at historic launch of OFC Pro League in Auckland

South Melbourne FC joined football leaders at Auckland’s Eden Park for the historic launch of the OFC Pro League.

Darwin’s Greek community marks OXI Day with pride and unity

The Greek Orthodox Community of North Australia (GOCNA) commemorated OXI Day with a ceremony honouring Greece’s defiance.

Consul General of Greece in Sydney meets with NSW Governor

George Skemperis, the new Consul General of Greece in Sydney, was formally received by NSW Governor Margaret Beazley AC KC.

Sydney’s Cretan community to honour Arkadi Monastery Holocaust anniversary

The Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW will mark the 159th anniversary of the Holocaust of the Arkadi Monastery.

You May Also Like

Greek community members honoured at name day celebration of Archbishop Makarios of Australia

Members of the Greek community of Australia were honoured at the name day of Archbishop Makarios of Australia in Sydney.

Greece requests international help as wildfires blaze on

The Greek government has sought assistance from abroad three weeks since wildfires began to break out in the country.

All Greek girls team prepares to play in the Sydney Nines Tournament for first time

Greek Australian girls will be wearing the blue and white jersey on February 20, as they compete in the Sydney Nines tournament.