When E. came to Lesvos
CPT Aegean Migrant Solidarity
September 7, 2022
Even after years on the Greek Islands, migrants are still at risk of state violence and criminalization.
Even after years on the Greek Islands, migrants are still at risk of state violence and criminalization.
Just as we commemorate the centennial of the Greco-Turkish War this year, we must hold onto the memories of migration over the past several years in Lesvos.
The Greek islands often conjure up visions of crystal clear waters and balconies overflowing with flowers, but violence against migrants continues despite the government’s attempt to cover it up.
Pray for our CPT communities around the world as we meet virtually and physically to continue the work of liberation.
On 22 June 2022, a 27-year-old woman who, in desperation, attempted to self-immolate in the notorious Moria 2 camp on the Greek island of Lesvos, now faces trial for arson.
Joint statement by borderline-europe, Can’t Evict Solidarity and CPT – Aegean Migrant Solidarity and Mobile Info Team
On May 19 another trial in took place in Kalamata representing the systematic attacks on people’s freedom by the Greek state.
In an unprecedented move, Greek authorities have charged a refugee with the drowning of his 6-year-old son during a shipwreck. On 18 May 2022, he will be on trial in Samos together with his co-passenger, who is facing life imprisonment for steering the boat. Seventy organizations across Europe call for the charges against the #Samos2 to be dropped.
The human rights groups Aegean Migrant Solidarity, borderline-europe e.V. and the European Democratic Lawyers will monitor the trial. Twitter: @BorderlineEurop; #Samos2
On 05 May, the trial against the Paros3, Kheiraldin, Abdallah and Mohamad, took place on the Greek island of Syros. Both the prosecution and the judges acknowledged that the three defendants were not the smugglers and had not acted for profit, nor were they to blame for the 18 lost lives. Despite this, the three fathers were nevertheless convicted of “facilitating unauthorized entry,” resulting in a sentence of 187 years for the “captain” and 126 years for each of the two “assistants.”
Not only are migrants subject to the dangers of fleeing across the ocean in unsafe vessels, they also face the risk of being pushed back into the open waters by Greek authorities.