European Parliament Demands Investigation into Greece’s Pushback Practices

In a significant move, 33 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have called for an independent investigation into the alleged involvement of Greek authorities in the deaths of at least 43 irregular migrants over the past three years. These incidents, reportedly resulting from pushback operations by Greek forces, have raised severe concerns about human rights violations and the misuse of EU funds.

Tineke Strik, a Dutch MEP from the Greens/EFA group, announced on her social media account that she, along with 32 colleagues from various political factions including socialist, leftist, and liberal groups, had sent a letter to Ylva Johansson, the EU Commissioner for Home Affairs. The letter demands a thorough investigation into whether EU funds or EU-funded vessels were involved in these tragic incidents and calls on Frontex to suspend its operations in Greece until the matter is resolved.

The MEPs’ letter highlights that the increasing evidence of migrant deaths linked to the deliberate and coordinated actions of the Greek coast guard should be a serious concern for both the EU and Frontex. They stressed the need for accountability and immediate measures to prevent further loss of life.

Witnesses speaking to the British media outlet BBC claimed that Greek forces were responsible for the deaths of 43 irregular migrants in 15 separate pushback incidents over three years in the Mediterranean. According to these testimonies, migrants were either pushed back at sea or left to fend for themselves after reaching Greek shores, often leading to fatal consequences.

The BBC’s report included video evidence showing 12 irregular migrants being placed onto a Greek coast guard vessel and subsequently abandoned on an inflatable raft. This video was shown to a former coast guard official, who, believing the microphone was off during a break in the interview, admitted in Greek, “I don’t know why they did this in broad daylight. It is absolutely illegal and an international crime.”

Reports of pushbacks involving Frontex and the Greek coast guard have been circulating in the international media since 2020. According to these reports, Greek coast guard vessels have been intercepting boats carrying migrants from Turkey to Greece, damaging or even sinking these boats, while Frontex reportedly turned a blind eye. These allegations have led to criticism, demands for explanations, and investigations in Brussels, yet the reports and accusations have persisted.

These claims are supported by multiple sources, including witness testimonies, video recordings, and satellite images. Records in Frontex’s database also indicate hundreds of instances of irregular migrants being pushed back in the Aegean Sea. Despite previous investigations concluding that Frontex failed to prevent human rights abuses, new evidence continues to emerge, suggesting that these violations are ongoing.

The European Parliament’s demand for an independent investigation underscores the urgent need to address these serious human rights concerns. The outcome of this investigation will not only determine the accountability of those involved but also set a precedent for the EU’s commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law in its border management practices.