Athens, Greece – A Greek court acquitted 24 aid workers after nearly eight years of prosecution on charges of facilitating illegal immigration to the island of Lesbos.
The case sparked widespread debate both within Greece and internationally regarding the criminalization of humanitarian work.
The criminal court in Mytilene, the capital of Lesbos, issued its verdict, acquitting all defendants, including Syrian activist and refugee Sara Mardini.
Mardini became a symbol of humanitarian work after participating in the rescue of migrants from drowning during the 2015 migration crisis.
The ruling marked the end of a long legal ordeal that began in 2018. At that time, Lesbos was a major entry point for tens of thousands of refugees.
serious charges
Most of these refugees were Syrians who eventually reached Europe.
The Greek authorities had leveled serious charges against the defendants,
including “forming a criminal organization” and “facilitating the illegal entry of foreign nationals into Greek territory.”
However, the presiding judge emphasized that the volunteers’ objective was not to commit any criminal acts,
but rather to provide humanitarian aid and save lives.
The prosecution also recommended their acquittal, stressing the lack of independent evidence to establish their criminal responsibility.
Human rights organizations, most notably Amnesty International, welcomed the verdict, considering it a victory for justice
An attempt to intimidate volunteers
and for humanitarian workers, despite what they described as years of psychological
and legal suffering due to baseless accusations.
Other organizations indicated that the case reflected an attempt to intimidate volunteers
and curtail relief activities in migration areas.
For her part, Sara Mardini said after the verdict that “saving lives is not a crime,”
emphasizing that the volunteers’ actions were purely humanitarian.
This judicial decision is seen as an important precedent.
This ruling may influence the future legal treatment of humanitarian organizations
and volunteers working on migration issues in Greece and Europe in general.
