TheLittleTwentieth – Renowned Papers Edition, AI Infused

Local sources from Greece: Famagusta.News, Η ΝΑΥΤΕΜΠΟΡΙΚΗ.
UK coverage: BBC.

In a shocking revelation, witnesses have accused the Greek coastguard of throwing migrants overboard to their deaths. These allegations, which have been reported by various sources including the BBC, highlight the dire situation faced by migrants attempting to seek asylum in Greece. The testimonies of survivors paint a disturbing picture of human rights violations and illegal practices by the Greek authorities.

According to an article from Famagusta.News, the Turkish Minister of Interior, Süleyman Soylu, has accused the Greek Coast Guard of throwing migrants into the sea in the Smyrna region, resulting in the death of one individual. The Turkish Minister took to Twitter to express his outrage, calling the actions of the Greek Coast Guard ‘barbarity’ and ‘murder.’ He further demanded that the EU and Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, hold the ‘murderer Frontex’ accountable for these actions. The Turkish Minister also shared a video of one survivor who claimed that the Greek police confiscated their belongings and threw them into the sea, leading to the death of one person while the other two managed to swim to safety and were rescued by the Turkish Coast Guard.

Another article from Η ΝΑΥΤΕΜΠΟΡΙΚΗ, citing the New York Times, provides further evidence of Greece’s alleged mistreatment of migrants. The New York Times report includes video footage showing asylum seekers, including young children, being rounded up in Lesvos, transported to the sea, and left stranded on a raft by the Greek coastguard. These individuals had already endured years of hardship, fleeing the war in the Horn of Africa, only to face further mistreatment upon reaching Europe. The report highlights the case of Fayad Mulla, a humanitarian from Austria, who captured a video of the abduction and abandonment of refugees at sea on April 11, 2023. The New York Times managed to locate 11 of the abductees in Turkey, including a baby and several young children, who confirmed the events depicted in the video. The evidence, including photographs taken by the Turkish coastguard, strengthens the credibility of these claims.

The Greek government has not responded to the inquiries made by the New York Times, but the EU Commission has stated that it will communicate with the Greek government regarding these serious allegations. It is important to note that the EU supports the Greek asylum system with significant financial aid. These allegations raise urgent questions about the treatment of migrants in Greece and the responsibility of both Greek authorities and the EU in ensuring the protection of human rights.

The testimonies and evidence presented by witnesses and investigative journalists shed light on the disturbing practices faced by migrants attempting to seek asylum in Greece. These allegations of illegal pushbacks, denial of the right to seek asylum, and mistreatment of migrants demand immediate attention and thorough investigation. The international community must hold Greece accountable for any human rights violations and ensure that the rights and dignity of migrants are protected.