Greek opposition calls for investigation into migrant deaths

Yorgos Psihoyos, a member of the main opposition Radical Left Alliance (SYRIZA) party in Greece in charge of migration policy, demanded an investigation into a report based on witness statements that at least 43 irregular migrants died in 15 incidents in three years as a result of pushback by Greek forces.

Speaking to the BBC, Psihoyos said: “We demand a thorough investigation, answers, accountability. We demand this because we care about human life. We cannot get used to the loss of life.”

Psihoyos stated that his party had previously requested clarification of the allegations raised by international institutions and organizations in recent years regarding the Greek Coast Guard.

Witnesses who spoke to the British media outlet BBC claimed Greek forces had caused the deaths of 43 irregular migrants in 15 push-back incidents in the Mediterranean over three years.

According to the BBC news report based on witness statements, 43 people who were pushed by Greek forces or abandoned back to the sea after reaching Greek islands lost their lives.

In the news report, it was stated that during the interview, BBC showed the video of 12 irregular migrants being put on a Greek Coast Guard boat and then left on an inflatable boat to a former coast guard employee.