Greece denies allegation of throwing migrants into Mediterranean Sea

Greece on Monday denied a BBC report claiming that its coast guard was responsible for the deaths of dozens of migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe.

Athens asserted it has not violated international law.

The BBC report, published Monday, stated that 43 migrants were left to die in the Aegean Sea after being turned back by Greek coast guards between May 2020 and May 2023.

According to the report, nine of the deceased migrants were deliberately thrown into the sea by a publicly funded aid organization.

Greek government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis denied the allegations, saying: “We monitor every publication, every investigation, but I repeat that these claims have in no way been substantiated. On the contrary, we rescue many migrants every day.”

While Athens has consistently denied such practices, numerous investigations by international media and rights groups, often supported by video evidence, have documented the existence of the practice.

European Commission spokesperson Eric Mamer told reporters in Brussels: “Greek authorities, like all EU member states, must fully respect their obligations under asylum and international law.”

He emphasized they are aware of Greece’s illegal operations.

The International Organization for Migration has declared the Mediterranean crossing the world’s most dangerous migration route.