A Greek court on Thursday acquitted 24 humanitarian workers accused of migrant smuggling on the island of Lesvos, ending a legal battle that lasted over seven years. The defendants, who volunteered in search and rescue operations, faced charges including membership of a criminal organisation, facilitating illegal entry into Greece, and money laundering, potentially carrying a 20-year prison sentence. The verdict has been hailed by rights groups as a victory against the criminalization of humanitarian aid.
The case, centered around activities between 2016 and 2021, unfolded on Lesvos, which became a major entry point for migrants and refugees arriving in Europe during the 2015 migration crisis. Greek authorities maintained the prosecution was necessary for national border security, while advocates argued the charges were baseless and aimed to deter rescue efforts.
Acquittal Based on Lack of Evidence and Humanitarian Intent
Presiding judge Vassilis Papathanassiou stated the acquittal was due to the defendants’ clear intention to provide humanitarian aid, not to engage in criminal activity, according to reports from Greek media. Crucially, the prosecutor recommended acquittal prior to the verdict, citing a lack of evidence demonstrating a hierarchical structure indicative of a criminal organisation.
A significant part of the initial prosecution focused on the defendants’ use of WhatsApp to coordinate responses to migrant boat arrivals. However, the judge dismissed this as evidence of a conspiracy, ruling that an online communication group does not constitute a criminal organisation. This decision highlights the challenges of applying criminal law to modern communication methods used for coordinating aid.
The Impact on Humanitarian Work in Greece
The protracted legal proceedings have had a chilling effect on humanitarian organizations operating in the Aegean Sea. Groups report a dramatic reduction in search and rescue operations due to fears of prosecution. This case is seen as part of a broader trend across Europe of increasing restrictions and legal challenges faced by those assisting migrants and asylum seekers. According to PICUM, an estimated 124 individuals faced similar judicial proceedings in Europe in 2024 alone.
Amnesty International’s Director of International European Institutions Office, Eve Geddie, urged the EU to strengthen safeguards against the criminalization of humanitarian assistance under EU law. The trial underscores the growing tension between national border enforcement and the provision of aid to vulnerable populations.
Seán Binder, a German-Irish citizen and one of the acquitted defendants, expressed relief at avoiding a lengthy prison sentence but also criticized the fact that the charges were brought in the first place. He emphasized that providing life-saving assistance should be considered an obligation, not a crime. Binder previously worked with Emergency Rescue Centre International (ERCI), a now-defunct Greek NGO.
Meanwhile, Greece has recently seen a renewed increase in migrant boat arrivals, particularly to Crete and Gavdos from North Africa. Greek authorities report over 1,000 migrants arrived in that region recently, attributed to favorable weather conditions and proximity to the Libyan coast. Official figures indicate 39,495 illegal border crossings were recorded by the end of October 2024, an 18% decrease compared to the same period in 2023.
The acquittal of these humanitarian workers represents a significant moment for refugee rights and the protection of those offering assistance. However, the broader context of increasingly restrictive European migration policies suggests the debate over the criminalization of solidarity will continue. Observers will be watching closely to see if this verdict leads to a reassessment of similar cases and a more supportive legal environment for humanitarian actors working with migrants.
