In a groundbreaking ruling, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has found Greece guilty of implementing a systematic policy of pushbacks against asylum seekers. This judgment, which could redefine human rights accountability in Europe, awarded €20,000 in damages to a woman who was forcibly returned to Turkey. It underscores evidence suggesting that many migrants were illegally deported during the events in question.
The Strasbourg-based tribunal’s decision marks the first official condemnation of Greece’s denial of such practices. It comes after years of allegations about the treatment of asylum seekers at the Greek-Turkish border, particularly highlighted in a case presented by the Greek Council for Refugees (GCR).
The woman, referred to as ARE, had attempted to seek asylum in Greece after fleeing political persecution related to her association with the Gulen movement. Despite an initial rejection of her case by Greek authorities, the ECHR found substantial proof supporting her claims of illegal detention and forced expulsion.
The court concluded that Greece’s actions violated human rights protections against torture and inhumane treatment, as laid out in Articles 3 and 13 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Importantly, she had documented her location in Greece, providing concrete evidence of her presence in the country prior to her removal.
Upon being pushed back, the woman faced legal consequences in Turkey, where she was imprisoned for alleged membership in a terrorist organization, a charge tied to accusations against the Gulen movement. Legal representatives celebrated the ruling as a monumental step for victims of pushbacks, urging Greek authorities to discontinue such practices.
Notably, the ruling was delivered amidst a backdrop of ongoing regional instability and increasing migration pressures facing Europe. Despite the Greek Prime Minister’s claims of maintaining a fair migration policy, the evidence presented at court painted a troubling narrative of state-sponsored illegal activities against vulnerable asylum seekers.
As human rights advocates hailed this ruling as a significant victory, many viewed it as a pivotal moment that could set a precedent for current and future cases of pushbacks against Greece. This decision may pave the way for greater accountability and protection for asylum seekers fleeing to Europe.
The European Court of Human Rights has found Greece guilty of systematic pushbacks of asylum seekers, awarding €20,000 to a woman forcibly expelled to Turkey. This is the first condemnation of Greece’s denial of such practices. The court ruled that Greece’s actions violated human rights, marking a potential turning point for accountability in migratory policies in Europe.
The ECHR’s ruling against Greece sets a momentous precedent in the ongoing dialogue about human rights and asylum. The court’s validation of claims regarding systematic pushbacks may lead to greater scrutiny of Greece’s migration policies. This landmark decision is expected to influence numerous pending cases and encourage stricter adherence to human rights benchmarks in the enforcement of border policies across Europe.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) serves as a critical institution in upholding human rights across Europe. Recent reports have highlighted the troubling rise in illegal pushbacks—where asylum seekers are forcibly returned to their countries of origin without due process—especially along the Greek-Turkish border. Greece has long faced allegations of such illegal practices, which contradict established human rights norms. This case represents a significant judicial response to ongoing migratory challenges and the treatment of asylum seekers in Europe amidst geopolitical tensions.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
