Greece has freed more than 20 humanitarian workers

A Greek court on the island of Lesbos has acquitted more than two dozen humanitarian workers accused of smuggling migrants. The case involved 24 members of Emergency Response Center International, which operated on the island from 2016 to 2018 during the refugee crisis.

The charges included participation in a criminal group, aiding illegal migration, and money laundering.

Among those acquitted were Sarah Mardini, a Syrian woman known from the film The Swimmers, and German volunteer Sean Binder. Both were arrested in 2018 and spent more than 100 days in custody. Their lawyer, Zacharias Kesses, called the verdict "courageous" but noted that the lengthy trial had discouraged hundreds of others from helping refugees.

Human rights organizations welcomed the verdict but warned that the criminalization of humanitarian aid in Greece continues. According to Human Rights Watch, Greek authorities prioritize resistance and intimidation over assistance.

Since 2019, Greece has strengthened border controls and tightened immigration policy. The authorities claim to respect international law, but face criticism for discouraging the rescue of migrants at sea.

(reuters, max)