Greek coastguard threw migrants overboard to their deaths, witnesses say
Greek coastguard threw migrants overboard to their deaths, witnesses say
The Facts
According to the BBC, witnesses have accused the Greek Coast Guard (HCG) of killing at least 40 migrants in the Mediterranean over the past three years. Allegedly, the HCG forced migrants back out to sea and threw nine people into the water after they arrived on Greek islands.
According to the BBC, witnesses have accused the Greek Coast Guard (HCG) of killing at least 40 migrants in the Mediterranean over the past three years. Allegedly, the HCG forced migrants back out to sea and threw nine people overboard to their deaths after they arrived on Greek islands.
The Spin
The Greek Coast Guard (HCG) and its government have been under investigation for violating the rights of asylum seekers who take the chance to cross the Mediterranean in search of a new life in the EU. The BBC conducted an investigation into several fatal incidents for the first time, interviewing survivors who witnessed the forced return to Turkey and other dehumanizing border control practices by Greek authorities, seemingly sanctioned by the government. Prosecutors must take these cases to court and hold
Greece denies all wrongdoing. The Greek Coast Guard (HCG) protects the EU's external borders by following national and international law. Greek authorities are doing everything possible to secure the borders while at the same time promoting legal pathways for qualified applicants. The HCG regrets the loss of life in the Mediterranean and will do everything in its power to save as many refugees as possible. However, the true perpetrators in this case are the smuggling networks, which continue to endanger liv
