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NewsWorld

Greece acquits 24 aid workers after they were accused of facilitating illegal immigration in Lesbos

A victory for justice and for humanitarian workers

محمد يسري
Last updated: 17/01/2026 4:54 am
Mohammed Yossry
محمد يسري
ByMohammed Yossry
News Editor
Mohammed Yousry, editor at Voice of Emirates News Agency, Cairo office, is a journalist and researcher specializing in Islamic heritage and extremist groups.
- News Editor
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Greece acquits 24 aid workers after they were accused of facilitating illegal immigration in Lesbos
Greece acquits 24 aid workers after they were accused of facilitating illegal immigration in Lesbos (Photo/Archive)
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أبرز النقاط
  • serious charges
  • An attempt to intimidate volunteers

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.

TAGGED:Greecehumanitarian workerIllegal immigrationLesbos IslandVoice Of EmiratesVoice Of Emirates NewsVoice Of Emirates Website News
SOURCES:Voice of Emirates
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