The death of 15 Afghan and Moroccan migrants after a speedboat carrying them collided with a Greek coastguard vessel has been presented by Greek authorities as an open and shut case. A statement issued blamed smugglers for failing to comply with the [Hellenic] Coast Guard's visual and audible signals. They claimed the migrant boat was making dangerous maneuvers before veering into the patrol vessel off the Chios Strait, which allegedly caused the deaths and injuries of 24 others attempting to reach European soil.
However, experiences have shown that such swift explanations warrant caution. In another incident during the summer of 2023, over 650 migrants were presumed drowned, with authorities blaming criminal gangs. Yet, survivors revealed that coastguards caused the migrant boat to capsize during a failed towing attempt.
Nearly three years later, four officers from the Greek coastguard are facing prosecution for negligent manslaughter over that earlier tragedy.
Today’s incident, while still under investigation, has drawn criticism as opposition parties condemn the coastguard’s actions. Migration Minister Thanos Plevris defended their account during the subsequent parliamentary discussions, asserting they acted within the law while simultaneously human rights groups raised serious concerns about the coastguard’s methods.
As investigations continue, the absence of independent evidence or survivor testimonies raises doubts. The complexity of Greece's migration policies and contentious accusations against its coastguard point towards a larger, unresolved crisis concerning human rights in refugee situations.
However, experiences have shown that such swift explanations warrant caution. In another incident during the summer of 2023, over 650 migrants were presumed drowned, with authorities blaming criminal gangs. Yet, survivors revealed that coastguards caused the migrant boat to capsize during a failed towing attempt.
Nearly three years later, four officers from the Greek coastguard are facing prosecution for negligent manslaughter over that earlier tragedy.
Today’s incident, while still under investigation, has drawn criticism as opposition parties condemn the coastguard’s actions. Migration Minister Thanos Plevris defended their account during the subsequent parliamentary discussions, asserting they acted within the law while simultaneously human rights groups raised serious concerns about the coastguard’s methods.
As investigations continue, the absence of independent evidence or survivor testimonies raises doubts. The complexity of Greece's migration policies and contentious accusations against its coastguard point towards a larger, unresolved crisis concerning human rights in refugee situations.
