Allegations Surface Regarding Systematic Cruelty Towards Migrants by Greek Coast Guard
The Mediterranean migration route continues to pose significant risks for those attempting to cross, with numerous allegations of human rights abuses surfacing against the Greek coastguard.
According to witness testimonies and investigations by the BBC, over 40 migrants were allegedly caused to drown in the Mediterranean by the Greek coastguard between May 2020 and 2023. The BBC's analysis identified 43 deaths across 15 incidents.
One of the most disturbing claims involves migrants who had already landed on Greek islands being hunted down and forcibly thrown into the sea. In one instance, a migrant survived after being almost beaten to death and thrown into the sea without a life jacket, while his companions did not.
The allegations have drawn international attention and contribute to ongoing concerns about the treatment of migrants attempting to reach Europe. However, detailed official investigations or reports from international human rights organizations specific to these years (2020-2023) were not explicitly found in the search results.
The UN has expressed concern over the failure to provide prompt and effective assistance to migrants in distress and to ensure safe disembarkation and adequate reception of migrants. UN experts have urged Greece to adopt safe and impartial border protection policies and practices, and to ensure a transparent and impartial investigation into allegations of violations involving Greek law enforcement personnel.
The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) has also reported on the persistent ill-treatment of individuals in Greek police custody, with cases amounting to torture. By 2014, the situation had not improved, prompting the CPT to express concerns about the police response and highlight a culture of impunity among officers.
A viral video on social media showed asylum seekers cable-tied and blindfolded in the back of a van on a Greek holiday island. The authenticity of the video was initially questioned, but new documents from Frontex confirmed the incident and implicated individuals collaborating with Greek authorities. The short video, published by the Aegean Boat Report NGO on 26 June 2023, has been viewed by over 660,000 people.
Despite these allegations and policies, desperate people continue to die attempting to reach safer shores. The urgent need for accountability and reform within institutions responsible for these tragic outcomes is clear.
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