Athens (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – European Court of Human Rights rules against Greece unlawfully deporting a woman to Turkey, highlighting systematic “pushbacks” at borders.
The European Court of Human Rights ruled in a landmark decision on 7 Jan 2025 that Greece had unlawfully deported a woman back to neighbouring Turkey and explained the usage of “pushbacks” or summary expulsions as systematic.
What did the European court rule on Greece’s deportations?
“The court considered as particularly compelling the motions pointing to the fact that, at the time when the realities took place, a course of systematic ‘pushbacks’ of third-country nationals executed by the Greek controls against the Turkish frontier from the region of Evros was in presence,” the judgment said.
The court disregarded the second lawsuit filed by the Afghan individual, who noted being illegally sent back from the Greek island of Samos to Turkey in 2020 when he was 15.
Greek administration representatives who attested during the hearings opposed the allegations, challenging the credibility of the proof shown and stating that Greece’s border policies are in line with international regulation.
The U.N. refugee agency has insisted Greece deepen the investigation in reports of many pushbacks. In distinction, several main human rights agencies explained the reports of alleged irregular deportation as a state systemic trend.
What did Greece’s national transparency authority conclude on pushbacks?
Greece’s National Transparency Authority, which commands the country’s spending and funds in a bid to restrain corruption, stated in a report issued last May 2022 that it had discovered no evidence of misconduct after a four-month investigation. The judgment at the court in Strasbourg, France, might have an effect on how Europe abides migrants at its borders at this time when Greece and many European Union member states are pursuing tougher immigration controls.
In the last few months, Greece has witnessed considerable developments in illegal migration. According to November 2023 data, the country recorded a 33% decrease in undocumented migrant arrivals compared to October, with 4,584 illegal entries recorded in November, down from 6,863 the previous month. This decline reflects a broader trend, showing a 60% drop in migration flows since September 2023.
