EU ‘rejection’ warning to Greece

Ylva Johansson, a member of the European Union (EU) Commission responsible for internal affairs, has warned Greece that it may take official action regarding the latest denial allegations reflected in the US press.

Johansson made a statement about the April 11 footage, published by the New York Times on May 19, on his Twitter account. Johansson, who used the expression “A year ago, I met with the Greek government to discuss border management and made it clear that there is no place for illegal deportations,” included the post in which she announced the aforementioned meeting.

Stating that he contacted the relevant authorities again after the footage was released by the New York Times, Johansson said: “We have sent an official request to the Greek authorities for this incident to be fully and independently investigated. The Greek authorities require proper monitoring, also based on the new independent monitoring mechanism. (EU Commission) stands ready to take official action as appropriate.”

According to footage published in the New York Times, 12 asylum seekers, including women and children, are taken to a distant point in a white minibus by people wearing ski masks, then loaded onto an inflatable boat on the island of Lesbos. The ship then transfers them to the Greek coast guard ship. The ship leaves the refugees in the middle of the Aegean Sea.

THEY PUSH MIGRANTS AT THE TURKISH BORDER

Reports of pushbacks by the Greek coast guard have been in the international press since 2020. According to these reports, Greek coast guard boats are blocking and even damaging migrant boats that want to cross from Turkey to Greece.

The returns are also mentioned by the United Nations (UN) and many human rights organizations. Reports from these organizations state that Greece used tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets against those who tried to cross its land borders in Meriç, which is the border region with Turkey.

Witnesses to the violence point to numerous violations of the law, including excessive use of force by Greek border units, beatings, the use of live ammunition, illegal detention and systematic returns to Turkey. Despite all the evidence, news and statements from the authorities, the news about setbacks keep coming. (AA)