A Juvenile Court in Kos, Greece, acquitted a Somali asylum seeker, M.A., of all charges after he was accused of aiding the unauthorized entry of other migrants. The case, which drew significant attention, centered on M.A.’s action of lending his mobile phone to a fellow traveler to contact an NGO for assistance. This act, initially interpreted as facilitating illegal migration, was ruled as not constituting a criminal offense.
M.A., who arrived in Greece as an unaccompanied minor, faced charges that included involvement in a criminal network and unlawful entry. However, the court cleared him of all allegations, reinforcing his legal protections as a refugee. His defense team, led by attorneys Elli Kriona Saranti and Maria Spiliotakara from HIAS Greece, welcomed the ruling as a step toward ending the criminalization of migrants. “This verdict is a critical advancement,” they stated. “The demonization of migration and the persecution of those who assist migrants must end.”
This court decision also highlights broader issues facing migrants and asylum seekers in Greece. Despite accusations of illegal entry, M.A. was protected under the Geneva Refugee Convention, which prohibits punishing refugees solely for entering a country without authorization. The Juvenile Court’s ruling followed a decision by the Dodecanese Appeals Court, which had earlier acquitted M.A.’s adult co-defendants of similar charges, clarifying that offering help to migrants once they have arrived does not equate to facilitating illegal entry.
The case brings attention to the ongoing human rights concerns at Greece’s borders, with several reports from humanitarian organizations and refugees describing inhumane treatment. Some asylum seekers have claimed that Greek coastguards have been involved in shooting at migrant boats, causing deaths by drowning. Additionally, migrants attempting to cross from Turkey have reported that Greek border forces strip them of their clothing and leave them exposed to freezing cold temperatures, resulting in fatalities. Turkish soldiers have even rescued some migrants who spoke out about the brutal treatment they endured at the hands of Greek border guards.
These practices illustrate a disturbing pattern of human rights abuses, with migrants facing violence and neglect despite international protections for refugees. While the acquittal of M.A. is a positive outcome, it remains crucial to address these systemic issues at the borders to ensure the safety and dignity of all migrants.
