In a significant legal development, a naval court in Greece has charged 17 members of the Hellenic Coast Guard regarding the Mediterranean's deadliest migrant tragedy in recent years.
Greek Coastguards Face Charges Over Deadly Migrant Shipwreck
Greek Coastguards Face Charges Over Deadly Migrant Shipwreck
Seventeen coastguards are charged in connection with the tragic sinking of a migrant boat that resulted in hundreds of presumed fatalities.
The charges come after an extensive two-year investigation into the tragic shipwreck involving the overcrowded Adriana vessel, which sank near Pylos on June 14, 2023.
On June 14, 2023, the Adriana, crammed with approximately 650 migrants, sank off the coast of Greece in what has become one of the Mediterranean's most catastrophic maritime disasters in a decade. The disaster prompted a naval court in Greece to press charges against 17 coastguards, including the captain of the coastguard ship LS-920, for various offenses such as "causing a shipwreck" and "failure to provide assistance" to the troubled migrant vessel. Reports indicate that at least 82 confirmed deaths have resulted from the sinking, although around 500 additional migrants are believed to have perished.
Survivors of the disaster recounted how Greek coastguards allegedly caused their boat to capsize during an attempted tow, with claims of intimidation preventing them from sharing their truths at the time. Survivors, like Ahmad, expressed relief at the charges, stating they validate their experiences of the events surrounding the tragedy.
Prominent officials among the accused also include senior Coast Guard leadership, charged with "exposing others to danger." Legal advocates representing victims and survivors hailed the recent charges as a noteworthy step toward justice, emphasizing the importance of accountability in light of the tragedy.
The court proceedings are anticipated to unfold in the coming months, with the Deputy Prosecutor of the Piraeus Naval Court conducting further investigations to determine if the accused will face a full trial. Meanwhile, the Greek government maintains that its coastguard has always upheld human rights while averting a humanitarian crisis in the region.
On June 14, 2023, the Adriana, crammed with approximately 650 migrants, sank off the coast of Greece in what has become one of the Mediterranean's most catastrophic maritime disasters in a decade. The disaster prompted a naval court in Greece to press charges against 17 coastguards, including the captain of the coastguard ship LS-920, for various offenses such as "causing a shipwreck" and "failure to provide assistance" to the troubled migrant vessel. Reports indicate that at least 82 confirmed deaths have resulted from the sinking, although around 500 additional migrants are believed to have perished.
Survivors of the disaster recounted how Greek coastguards allegedly caused their boat to capsize during an attempted tow, with claims of intimidation preventing them from sharing their truths at the time. Survivors, like Ahmad, expressed relief at the charges, stating they validate their experiences of the events surrounding the tragedy.
Prominent officials among the accused also include senior Coast Guard leadership, charged with "exposing others to danger." Legal advocates representing victims and survivors hailed the recent charges as a noteworthy step toward justice, emphasizing the importance of accountability in light of the tragedy.
The court proceedings are anticipated to unfold in the coming months, with the Deputy Prosecutor of the Piraeus Naval Court conducting further investigations to determine if the accused will face a full trial. Meanwhile, the Greek government maintains that its coastguard has always upheld human rights while averting a humanitarian crisis in the region.
