Overview
On June 14, a fishing trawler carrying up to 700 migrants from Pakistan, Syria, and Egypt sank off the coast of Pylos, southwestern Greece. The incident resulted in one of the deadliest boat accidents in the Mediterranean, with 82 bodies recovered and 104 survivors rescued.
Legal Developments
Charges against nine Egyptian men accused of involvement in the 2023 migrant boat disaster were recently dropped by a Greek court due to jurisdictional issues. The men, aged between 21 and 41, had been detained on charges of migrant smuggling, causing a shipwreck, and participating in a criminal organization. Despite their denial of any wrongdoing, they had been in pre-trial detention since the incident.
Trial Proceedings
The trial of the nine Egyptian men commenced in Kalamata amid protests. International rights groups, defense lawyers, and witnesses have raised doubts about the men’s culpability, suggesting that the coastguard may have been responsible for the tragedy. The defendants’ legal team argues that the men were unfairly charged based on a hasty investigation and insufficient evidence.
Public Reaction
Supporters of the defendants clashed with police outside the courtroom, emphasizing that they will not forget the incident and will advocate for justice for the victims. Survivors have recounted how a misguided rescue attempt by the coastguard led to the boat capsizing in deep waters.
Defense Position
The defense lawyers maintain that the coastguard mishandled the situation by failing to promptly assist the distressed vessel. They allege that the coastguard attempted to tow the boat towards Italian waters, a claim refuted by the authorities who assert that the migrants refused aid.