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The EU Commission is asking the Greek authorities to investigate the pushback allegations against them. "We expect the Greek authorities to review the reports and keep the European Commission informed," a spokesman for the Commission told SPIEGEL.
SPIEGEL published videos in cooperation with the research collective Forensic Architecture on Thursday, which for the first time document a suspected pushback on the Greek-Turkish border river Evros.
Six active and former police officers and soldiers also agreed that pushbacks on the Evros had been carried out systematically for years.
Pushbacks are illegal deportations of migrants seeking protection. They violate international law and violate both the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the Geneva Convention - partly because migrants are not granted access to asylum procedures. The spokesman for the Greek police said they had no knowledge of the alleged illegal deportations, and there was no reason to pursue the allegations.
In the video: See here how the material was analyzed
According to the Commission spokesman, the latter is in close contact with the Greek authorities to ensure that the Greek authorities comply with applicable EU law when exercising their border management. Border protection must be exercised in such a way that human dignity is fully preserved, it is said. Access to asylum procedures must also be guaranteed in accordance with EU law.
Numerous German and Greek politicians as well as human rights organizations are pushing for an investigation and condemning the alleged Greek deportations.
- The SPD's spokesman for migration policy, Lars Castellucci , said: "These allegations are outrageous. It is time for an independent commission of inquiry to clear them up."
- Lena Düpont , CDU MEP in the conservative EPP , said: "If there is any wrongdoing, it must be fully investigated and eliminated." The matter also shows that countries at the EU's external borders need even more support.
- Erik Marquardt , MEP of the Greens, wants to increase the pressure on the EU Commission. "We will ask the EU Commission about their findings on the matter. The European governments apparently accept that law will be broken at their borders to enforce their migration policy ideas. The Greek government must now quickly recognize that they are pushbacks can no longer dispute and immediately discontinue them. "
- Karl Kopp , European Director of ProAsyl , also emphasized the responsibility of the EU: "For us, there is the question of the complicity of the EU," he says. "What does Frontex actually do in the region? These pushbacks take place in the name of Europe."
- Eva Cossé, Greece employee at the NGO Human Rights Watch , said: "The SPIEGEL report and the videos confirm for the first time what we have been saying for years: Pushbacks are taking place at Evros." Human Rights Watch and many other organizations have repeatedly documented how Greek law enforcement officials routinely return asylum seekers and migrants to Turkey. "Despite the evidence, the Greek authorities have repeatedly rejected the allegations. Now that the perpetrators have been captured in front of the camera, the Greek authorities can no longer close their eyes." Cossé calls for an investigation into the Greek judicial authorities and Parliament. "You should check the scope of these illegal acts and see if they are de facto government policies."
- Olga Gerovasili is a member of the left-wing Greek party Syriza . The opposition politician was responsible for border protection and police from 2018 to 2019 as Minister for Citizens' Protection. She also requested an examination of the picture material. It had to be determined whether the actions shown had been carried out by the Greek authorities. "Investigating this case is a natural government obligation, because these images offend and unmask our country."
- Gabriel Sakellaridis , director of Amnesty International's Greek division, said the videos are the latest of many evidence of pushbacks and violence against asylum seekers in the region. "Six dead were found in the same area this week. Apparently, people died of hypothermia after crossing the Evros." It is obvious that the route over the Evros is becoming increasingly unsafe.
In the video: Why pushbacks are a poorly kept secret
The Greek government did not comment on the videos after the article appeared. The authorities had previously refused an offer to view the material.
Instead, Greek Migration Minister Giorgos Koumoutsakos announced on Saturday that his government would substantially expand control measures on Evros. Thermal cameras and barbed wire are to be installed at numerous locations along the river, air surveillance is to be strengthened and patrols are to be expanded on land and water.
This contribution is part of the Global Society project, for which our reporters report from four continents. The project is long-term and is supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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