Systematic Maltreatment of Migrants by Greek Coastguard: Shocking Allegations Detailed
In recent years, there have been persistent and troubling allegations of mistreatment and deaths of migrants by the Greek coastguard. These practices, which reportedly have escalated in scale and scope in recent years, have been denounced by numerous human rights organizations and documented by reputable media outlets.
The accusations include unlawful pushbacks, physical abuse, humiliation, and even shootings resulting in fatalities. One of the most shocking allegations is that the Greek coastguard has thrown migrants into the sea, leading to dozens of drownings over the years.
In August 2024, a particularly distressing incident was reported, where a migrant vessel was allegedly shot at by the Greek coastguard, resulting in the death of one migrant by gunfire.
These practices have not gone unnoticed by the international community. UN experts have expressed particular concern over the failure to provide prompt and effective assistance to migrants in distress and to ensure safe disembarkation and adequate reception of migrants. They have urged Greece to adopt safe and impartial border protection policies and practices, and to ensure accountability for violations involving Greek law enforcement personnel.
The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) has also been vocal in its criticisms. As early as 1994, the CPT reported that many individuals in police custody endured severe ill-treatment, with some cases amounting to torture. The CPT publicly criticized the persistent lack of improvement in 2011 and expressed concerns about the detention conditions of irregular migrants.
Despite mounting evidence from reputable organizations and media, Greek authorities have repeatedly denied these abuses. However, there have been instances where Greek courts have charged some coastguard officers related to these migrant incidents, indicating some judicial responses. Yet, the overall impunity remains a concern.
These practices occur within a broader European context where border states, including Greece, face international criticism for harsh treatment of migrants and collaboration with third countries (like Turkey) on deportations, sometimes involving human rights violations.
As right-wing rhetoric continues to gain traction, it is crucial to remember the human cost of such policies. Rising right-wing conservative influence in Europe is championing anti-immigration policies, despite their failure to deter migration.
In sum, persistent and documented allegations criticize the Greek coastguard for systemic migrant abuse and fatal pushbacks, with human rights groups highlighting the increasing impunity and muted official condemnation in recent years. The urgent need for accountability and reform within the institutions responsible for these tragic outcomes is clear.
[1] BBC News, The BBC uncovers allegations of Greek coastguard causing deaths of dozens of migrants in the Mediterranean, 2023. [2] Amnesty International, Greece: Systematic pushbacks of refugees and migrants to Turkey, 2023. [3] UN Human Rights, Report of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, 2023. [4] European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT), Report to the Greek authorities on the visit to Greece carried out by the CPT in May 2021, 2022. [5] BBC News, Greek coastguard officers charged over migrant deaths, 2023.
- The Greek coastguard's alleged mistreatment and pushbacks of migrants have been a significant focus in both general-news and politics, with numerous human rights organizations and reputable media outlets, including the BBC and Amnesty International, advocating for accountability and reform.
- The UN, European Committee for the Prevention of Torture, and various news outlets have widely reported on the Greek coastguard's practices in conjunction with the escalating political debates over immigration policies in Europe, highlighting the need for safe and impartial border protection.
