New evidence found by BBC News challenges the Greek coastguard’s account of a deadly migrant boat sinking last month. Survivors claim they were pressured by the coastguard to identify nine Egyptians on board as traffickers. Additionally, a new video of the overcrowded boat struggling at sea contradicts the coastguard’s version of events. The footage was taken by the coastguard itself when they claimed the boat was not in need of rescue. Court documents also reveal discrepancies between survivors’ witness statements taken by the coastguards and the evidence presented to a judge. The revelations raise concerns about the Greek authorities’ handling of such disasters.
Survivors Speak Out: Silenced and Intimidated by Greek Authorities
Two survivors of the migrant boat disaster have come forward, stating that Greek authorities silenced and intimidated migrants after suggesting the coastguard’s involvement in the tragedy. According to the survivors, the coastguard attached a rope to the boat, causing it to capsize. They claim to have spent two hours in the water before being rescued. Upon reaching land, the survivors allege that the coastguard told them to stop discussing how the Greek authorities caused the disaster. The survivors fear speaking out publicly, as they worry about facing accusations similar to those leveled against the Egyptians.
Collapsing Court Cases and Concerns About Justice
Court documents reviewed by BBC News raise questions about evidence gathering and the ability of defendants to challenge evidence in trials involving alleged people smugglers. Initial statements from survivors did not mention the coastguard’s attempted towing of the boat, but later, in court, all witnesses stated that an unsuccessful attempt had been made. A study reveals that the average trial for migrants accused of people smuggling in Greece lasted just 37 minutes, with an average prison sentence of 46 years. Concerns have been raised about translations, evidence gathering, and the lack of safeguards in the Greek legal system.
Interpreter Raises Alarm: Similar Patterns of Accusation
An interpreter, Farzin Khavand, claims to have witnessed Greek coastguards falsely accuse two innocent Iranian men of people smuggling last year. According to Khavand, the coastguards pressured fellow Afghan passengers to name the Iranians as smugglers, altering their testimonies to avoid mistreatment and imprisonment. The case eventually collapsed, leading Khavand to question the Greek authorities’ commitment to seeking the truth. Similar concerns have been voiced by a lawyer involved in over 10 cases related to alleged people smuggling. Critics argue that international legal standards and justice are not adequately upheld in Greece’s handling of such cases.
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