| 15 September 2023
Athens, Greece – In the wake of one of the deadliest shipwrecks in recent Mediterranean history, a lawsuit has been filed on behalf of 40 survivors, accusing Greek authorities of multiple violations during the disaster that unfolded on June 14, 2023. The tragedy occurred when a fishing trawler, carrying approximately 750 people attempting the perilous journey from Libya to Italy, sank off the western coast of Greece near Pylos. The suit, filed at the Naval Court of Piraeus, demands a thorough investigation into the incident, alleging that Greek authorities failed to protect the lives of those on board.
As the lawsuit unfolds, 82 bodies have been recovered, 104 individuals rescued, and hundreds are still missing and presumed drowned. The survivors' accounts have revealed troubling allegations that the Greek coastguard may have played a role in the sinking.
Survivors' accounts have raised suspicions of a towing attempt by the Greek coastguard in the vessel's final moments, which allegedly led to its capsizing and sinking. The coastguard has admitted to attaching a rope temporarily but vehemently denies any wrongdoing, including towing allegations. This tragic incident attracted international attention as it emerged that Greek authorities were aware of the vessel's presence for hours before its sinking and reportedly ignored three offers of assistance from Frontex, the EU coastguard and border agency.
Media investigations have further revealed serious issues, including claims of tampered survivor testimonies and the presence of other coastguard vessels that could have been mobilized for assistance. Organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have called for a "full and credible investigation," emphasizing the need for testimonies to be gathered under conditions that guarantee the trust and safety of survivors.
Despite a Greek Supreme Court prosecutor ordering an investigation into the wreck, the process has been shrouded in secrecy, with survivors reportedly yet to be called to testify. Nine Egyptian survivors of the tragedy face charges of smuggling, manslaughter, and forming a criminal organization, which could result in life sentences. These individuals deny all allegations against them.
The recent lawsuit has been filed by a collective of lawyers representing survivors, including the Network for Refugee and Migrant Rights, the Hellenic League for Human Rights, the Greek Council for Refugees, the Initiative of Lawyers and Jurists for the Pylos Shipwreck, and Refugee Support Aegean (RSA). Eleni Spathana, a lawyer from RSA, stressed that the suit targets "all responsible state actors of all competent Greek authorities" who contributed to the tragic shipwreck. She added, "It is of crucial importance for our society and democracy that justice should be served."
Maria Papamina, legal unit coordinator for the Greek Council for Refugees, echoed the survivors' call for accountability, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the actions and omissions that led to the loss of so many lives.
Among the survivors of the shipwreck, some have left Greece, while others await asylum decisions in the Malakasa refugee camp near Athens. Many of the victims were reportedly from rural and impoverished villages in Pakistan, leaving their families desperate for answers.
Ahmad Farooq, a father whose son boarded the ill-fated vessel in hopes of finding work in Europe, expressed his grief and need for closure. Hassan Al-Jalam, a Syrian survivor represented in the lawsuit, called the incident a "brutal massacre" and demanded international condemnation and accountability for those responsible.
Greek authorities, responding to the allegations, maintain that the coastguard's actions align with international obligations and underscore their commitment to professionalism and respect for human life and rights.
As the lawsuit unfolds, the world watches closely, hoping for justice and accountability for the victims of this tragic shipwreck in the Mediterranean.
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