UN: Greece still in violation of some norms for detention

·

A group of United Nations experts on arbitrary detention said that despite some improvements, Greece was still in violation of certain international obligations in how and where people are imprisoned.

The U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detention presented a preliminary report following a visit to 20 detention facilities across the country between Dec. 2 and Dec. 13. It noted several areas of concern involving both the criminal justice system and migration.

A final report will be be issued in several months. The group, which visited Greece following an invitation by the 6-month-old government, said it had enjoyed unrestricted access to facilities and full cooperation from Greek officials.

The group’s concerns included prison overcrowding, the non-segregation of suspects held in pre-trial detention from those already convicted, the access of asylum seekers to interpreters and legal help, and reports of arbitrary push-backs into Turkey of migrants attempting to cross the border into Greece.

Greek prisons have suffered from overcrowding for years. A recent change to the penal code reducing the length of prison sentences and encouraging the use of alternatives such as community service “are positive steps forward,” the group said. But it added that “there is still considerable scope for their implementation,” and noted that the conditions in prisons and police station holding cells “do not generally meet international standards.”

The preliminary findings criticized the widespread use of pre-trial detention. It also said that holding people awaiting trial together with convicts runs contrary to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and is “contrary to the presumption of innocence that all persons are entitled to prior to conviction.”

Regarding push-backs, the group said it had received information from various sources, including lawyers and non-governmental groups, that some migrants attempting to enter Greece from Turkey “are arrested, detained in very poor conditions, and summarily returned across the Greece-Turkey land border” without being given the chance to apply for asylum.

“We understand that it’s not occasional. In fact, we understand that it’s a long-standing practice dating back several years now,” said Leigh Toomey, vice chair of the group. Toomey said the group was currently “in dialogue” with the government regarding the reports, and did not have information on how many people were believed to have been the subject of push-backs.

This was the second visit by the UN’s Working Group of Arbitrary Detention to Greece. The first was conducted in 2013.

Sourced via Associated Press.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek actor Petros Filippidis handed suspended prison sentence for attempted rape

Greek actor Petros Filippidis was sentenced to three years in prison with a three-year suspension by the Athens Mixed Jury Court of Appeal.

Greece’s Foreign Minister visits Tripoli to strengthen Greek-Libyan ties and promote dialogue

Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis met with Libyan officials in Tripoli on Tuesday, July 9, as part of efforts to strengthen ties.

Australia’s Cypriot communities to mark 51 years since Turkish invasion of Cyprus

Cypriot communities across Australia are preparing a series of events to mark the 51st anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.

From Bexley to Thessaloniki: Dimitri Sidiropoulos’ rise in Greek volleyball

Dimitri Sidiropoulos has has spread his wings and is showcasing his athletic talent in Greece, devoting his full love to volleyball.

STEM holiday program by Greek Community of Melbourne Schools a hit

The Greek Community of Melbourne’s Schools recently completed a successful and engaging educational initiative titled “STEM in Their Element"

You May Also Like

Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne enjoys Mother’s Day celebrations

On Sunday 7th May, the Cretan Brotherhood indulged in a delightful celebration of Mother's Day with a High Tea event.

Mary Katrantzou named Bulgari’s first creative director of leather goods

Greek designer Mary Katrantzou has joined Bulgari as its first-ever creative director of leather goods and accessories.

THI Australia rewards $100,000 grant to Doctors of the World Greece

The grant will help staff the Open Polyclinic in Athens so they can continue providing free medical care for vulnerable communities.