Eva Cossé
@evacosse.bsky.social
Europe senior researcher at Human Rights Watch. Focusing on #Greece and #France.
Pinned
Eva Cossé
@evacosse.bsky.social
· May 8
Greece: Media Freedom in Crisis
Greece faces a media freedom crisis as a result of actions and failures by the Greek government, threatening democracy and the rule of law, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today.
www.hrw.org
Today, @hrw.org publishes a new report on the media freedom crisis in #Greece. The pervasive constraints on journalism are fostering a climate of self-censorship, harming democracy & the rule of law
“From Bad to Worse: The Deterioration of Media Freedom in Greece” www.hrw.org/news/2025/05...
“From Bad to Worse: The Deterioration of Media Freedom in Greece” www.hrw.org/news/2025/05...
Reposted by Eva Cossé
"The criminal case against human rights defenders Panayote Dimitras and Tommy Olsen for exposing violations at Greece’s borders remained pending at this writing, with Dimitras still under a travel ban."
Breaking! @hrw.org has just released its World Report 2026. The findings for #Greece 🇬🇷 show a serious deterioration in the rule of law and human rights throughout 2025. Here are the key takeaways: #Rights2026
www.hrw.org/world-report...
www.hrw.org/world-report...
World Report 2026: Rights Trends in Greece
www.hrw.org
February 4, 2026 at 11:47 PM
"The criminal case against human rights defenders Panayote Dimitras and Tommy Olsen for exposing violations at Greece’s borders remained pending at this writing, with Dimitras still under a travel ban."
Reposted by Eva Cossé
Extremely concerned by the proposed immigration bill in #Greece which will only further demonise civil society & in the country & criminalise the defence of migrants' rights, placing Greece in violation of its international human rights obligations.
February 4, 2026 at 4:05 PM
Extremely concerned by the proposed immigration bill in #Greece which will only further demonise civil society & in the country & criminalise the defence of migrants' rights, placing Greece in violation of its international human rights obligations.
Reposted by Eva Cossé
L’année 2025 pourrait être considérée comme un point de bascule pour les droits humains dans le monde. Alors que les États-Unis sapent le système international des droits humains, qui va assurer sa défense ?
Notre Rapport mondial 2026 👇
https://www.hrw.org/fr/world-report/2026
Notre Rapport mondial 2026 👇
https://www.hrw.org/fr/world-report/2026
February 4, 2026 at 12:25 PM
L’année 2025 pourrait être considérée comme un point de bascule pour les droits humains dans le monde. Alors que les États-Unis sapent le système international des droits humains, qui va assurer sa défense ?
Notre Rapport mondial 2026 👇
https://www.hrw.org/fr/world-report/2026
Notre Rapport mondial 2026 👇
https://www.hrw.org/fr/world-report/2026
Breaking! @hrw.org has just released its World Report 2026. The findings for #Greece 🇬🇷 show a serious deterioration in the rule of law and human rights throughout 2025. Here are the key takeaways: #Rights2026
www.hrw.org/world-report...
www.hrw.org/world-report...
World Report 2026: Rights Trends in Greece
www.hrw.org
February 4, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Breaking! @hrw.org has just released its World Report 2026. The findings for #Greece 🇬🇷 show a serious deterioration in the rule of law and human rights throughout 2025. Here are the key takeaways: #Rights2026
www.hrw.org/world-report...
www.hrw.org/world-report...
Reposted by Eva Cossé
The Greek govt introduced an immigration bill that explicitly links humanitarian workers w/ criminal conduct, when in reality they R helping people in distress trying to reach Greece. Parliament should reject these provisions & protect civic space. @evacosse.bsky.social
www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
Greek Immigration Bill Demonizes Civil Society
The Greek government has introduced an immigration bill with measures that explicitly link nongovernmental groups and humanitarian workers with criminal conduct, when in reality they are helping peopl...
www.hrw.org
January 29, 2026 at 8:42 PM
The Greek govt introduced an immigration bill that explicitly links humanitarian workers w/ criminal conduct, when in reality they R helping people in distress trying to reach Greece. Parliament should reject these provisions & protect civic space. @evacosse.bsky.social
www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
🏛️ TODAY: Greek Parliament debates a bill that demonizes civil society.
NGO membership becomes an "aggravating factor" for criminal offenses, with the Minister granted unchecked power to vet aid workers.
Parliament should reject these abusive articles NOW: www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
NGO membership becomes an "aggravating factor" for criminal offenses, with the Minister granted unchecked power to vet aid workers.
Parliament should reject these abusive articles NOW: www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
Greek Immigration Bill Demonizes Civil Society
The Greek government has introduced an immigration bill with measures that explicitly link nongovernmental groups and humanitarian workers with criminal conduct, when in reality they are helping peopl...
www.hrw.org
February 4, 2026 at 12:28 PM
🏛️ TODAY: Greek Parliament debates a bill that demonizes civil society.
NGO membership becomes an "aggravating factor" for criminal offenses, with the Minister granted unchecked power to vet aid workers.
Parliament should reject these abusive articles NOW: www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
NGO membership becomes an "aggravating factor" for criminal offenses, with the Minister granted unchecked power to vet aid workers.
Parliament should reject these abusive articles NOW: www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
🙌 After a 7-year legal ordeal, humanitarian workers wept with relief when a court on the Greek island of Lesbos acquitted all 24 defendants who had been baselessly charged with felonies for saving lives at sea.
The Greek government should always prioritize saving lives.
https://bit.ly/4pMoOdR
The Greek government should always prioritize saving lives.
https://bit.ly/4pMoOdR
January 16, 2026 at 6:50 PM
Reposted by Eva Cossé
VICTORY: All 24 aid workers in Lesbos have been ACQUITTED of all felony charges! ⚖️
While this is a vindication for the defendants, it is also bittersweet. This 7-year ordeal has shut down life-saving work while people continue to drown.
Our full reaction for @hrw.org 👇
While this is a vindication for the defendants, it is also bittersweet. This 7-year ordeal has shut down life-saving work while people continue to drown.
Our full reaction for @hrw.org 👇
January 15, 2026 at 6:58 PM
VICTORY: All 24 aid workers in Lesbos have been ACQUITTED of all felony charges! ⚖️
While this is a vindication for the defendants, it is also bittersweet. This 7-year ordeal has shut down life-saving work while people continue to drown.
Our full reaction for @hrw.org 👇
While this is a vindication for the defendants, it is also bittersweet. This 7-year ordeal has shut down life-saving work while people continue to drown.
Our full reaction for @hrw.org 👇
Reposted by Eva Cossé
After a 7-year ordeal, humanitarians wept with relief today as a court in Lesbos acquitted all 24 of bogus felony charges. ⚖️
But the damage is real: while solidarity was criminalized, life-saving work was paralyzed.
See here our @hrw.org dispatch:
www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
But the damage is real: while solidarity was criminalized, life-saving work was paralyzed.
See here our @hrw.org dispatch:
www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
Humanitarians Cleared of Bogus Charges in Greece
After a seven-year legal ordeal, humanitarian workers wept with relief today when a court on the Greek island of Lesbos acquitted all 24 defendants who had been baselessly charged with felonies for sa...
www.hrw.org
January 15, 2026 at 9:27 PM
After a 7-year ordeal, humanitarians wept with relief today as a court in Lesbos acquitted all 24 of bogus felony charges. ⚖️
But the damage is real: while solidarity was criminalized, life-saving work was paralyzed.
See here our @hrw.org dispatch:
www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
But the damage is real: while solidarity was criminalized, life-saving work was paralyzed.
See here our @hrw.org dispatch:
www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
After a 7-year ordeal, humanitarians wept with relief today as a court in Lesbos acquitted all 24 of bogus felony charges. ⚖️
But the damage is real: while solidarity was criminalized, life-saving work was paralyzed.
See here our @hrw.org dispatch:
www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
But the damage is real: while solidarity was criminalized, life-saving work was paralyzed.
See here our @hrw.org dispatch:
www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
Humanitarians Cleared of Bogus Charges in Greece
After a seven-year legal ordeal, humanitarian workers wept with relief today when a court on the Greek island of Lesbos acquitted all 24 defendants who had been baselessly charged with felonies for sa...
www.hrw.org
January 15, 2026 at 9:27 PM
After a 7-year ordeal, humanitarians wept with relief today as a court in Lesbos acquitted all 24 of bogus felony charges. ⚖️
But the damage is real: while solidarity was criminalized, life-saving work was paralyzed.
See here our @hrw.org dispatch:
www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
But the damage is real: while solidarity was criminalized, life-saving work was paralyzed.
See here our @hrw.org dispatch:
www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
VICTORY: All 24 aid workers in Lesbos have been ACQUITTED of all felony charges! ⚖️
While this is a vindication for the defendants, it is also bittersweet. This 7-year ordeal has shut down life-saving work while people continue to drown.
Our full reaction for @hrw.org 👇
While this is a vindication for the defendants, it is also bittersweet. This 7-year ordeal has shut down life-saving work while people continue to drown.
Our full reaction for @hrw.org 👇
January 15, 2026 at 6:58 PM
VICTORY: All 24 aid workers in Lesbos have been ACQUITTED of all felony charges! ⚖️
While this is a vindication for the defendants, it is also bittersweet. This 7-year ordeal has shut down life-saving work while people continue to drown.
Our full reaction for @hrw.org 👇
While this is a vindication for the defendants, it is also bittersweet. This 7-year ordeal has shut down life-saving work while people continue to drown.
Our full reaction for @hrw.org 👇
🚨 Update from Greece: The trial of 24 humanitarians resumes today on Lesbos, #Greece ⚖️
The @europarl.europa.eu has branded this the “largest case of criminalization of solidarity in Europe.”
My colleague @billvanesveld.bsky.social is there to monitor for @hrw.org
Saving lives is not a crime
The @europarl.europa.eu has branded this the “largest case of criminalization of solidarity in Europe.”
My colleague @billvanesveld.bsky.social is there to monitor for @hrw.org
Saving lives is not a crime
January 15, 2026 at 9:20 AM
🚨 Update from Greece: The trial of 24 humanitarians resumes today on Lesbos, #Greece ⚖️
The @europarl.europa.eu has branded this the “largest case of criminalization of solidarity in Europe.”
My colleague @billvanesveld.bsky.social is there to monitor for @hrw.org
Saving lives is not a crime
The @europarl.europa.eu has branded this the “largest case of criminalization of solidarity in Europe.”
My colleague @billvanesveld.bsky.social is there to monitor for @hrw.org
Saving lives is not a crime
Reposted by Eva Cossé
Humanitarian workers facing 20 years in prison finally got their day in court on Dec 4-5 on Lesbos, Greece after a 7-year wait.
"We were there. The hearings quickly revealed just how baseless the case against them is."
- @evacosse.bsky.social & Bill Van Esveld comment for @hrw.org ⤵️
"We were there. The hearings quickly revealed just how baseless the case against them is."
- @evacosse.bsky.social & Bill Van Esveld comment for @hrw.org ⤵️
Humanitarians’ Baseless Trial in Greece
Two dozen humanitarian workers facing 20 years in prison finally got their day in court on December 4 and 5 on the Greek island of Lesbos after a seven-year wait.
www.hrw.org
December 11, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Humanitarian workers facing 20 years in prison finally got their day in court on Dec 4-5 on Lesbos, Greece after a 7-year wait.
"We were there. The hearings quickly revealed just how baseless the case against them is."
- @evacosse.bsky.social & Bill Van Esveld comment for @hrw.org ⤵️
"We were there. The hearings quickly revealed just how baseless the case against them is."
- @evacosse.bsky.social & Bill Van Esveld comment for @hrw.org ⤵️
Reposted by Eva Cossé
The groundless case against humanitarian workers facing 20 years in prison in Greece.
Commentary from my @hrw.org colleagues @evacosse.bsky.social and @billvanesveld.bsky.social
www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
Commentary from my @hrw.org colleagues @evacosse.bsky.social and @billvanesveld.bsky.social
www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
Humanitarians’ Baseless Trial in Greece
Two dozen humanitarian workers facing 20 years in prison finally got their day in court on December 4 and 5 on the Greek island of Lesbos after a seven-year wait.
www.hrw.org
December 11, 2025 at 4:09 PM
The groundless case against humanitarian workers facing 20 years in prison in Greece.
Commentary from my @hrw.org colleagues @evacosse.bsky.social and @billvanesveld.bsky.social
www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
Commentary from my @hrw.org colleagues @evacosse.bsky.social and @billvanesveld.bsky.social
www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
Reposted by Eva Cossé
The European Commission should use its annual Rule of Law report to issue strong recommendations to address the rule of law backsliding in France.
New from @hrw.org / @evacosse.bsky.social⤵️
New from @hrw.org / @evacosse.bsky.social⤵️
Rule of Law Backsliding in France
On December 9, CIVICUS Monitor, a nongovernmental group assessing civic freedoms globally, downgraded France’s civic space from “narrowed” to “obstructed.”
www.hrw.org
December 12, 2025 at 8:27 AM
The European Commission should use its annual Rule of Law report to issue strong recommendations to address the rule of law backsliding in France.
New from @hrw.org / @evacosse.bsky.social⤵️
New from @hrw.org / @evacosse.bsky.social⤵️
The @civicusalliance.bsky.social has downgraded France’s civic space from "Narrowed" to "Obstructed"—a dangerous slide for a core EU democracy.
Read my @hrw.org analysis on why this downgrade happened, detailing years of attacks on dissent and civil society: www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
Read my @hrw.org analysis on why this downgrade happened, detailing years of attacks on dissent and civil society: www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
Rule of Law Backsliding in France
On December 9, CIVICUS Monitor, a nongovernmental group assessing civic freedoms globally, downgraded France’s civic space from “narrowed” to “obstructed.”
www.hrw.org
December 12, 2025 at 8:10 AM
The @civicusalliance.bsky.social has downgraded France’s civic space from "Narrowed" to "Obstructed"—a dangerous slide for a core EU democracy.
Read my @hrw.org analysis on why this downgrade happened, detailing years of attacks on dissent and civil society: www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
Read my @hrw.org analysis on why this downgrade happened, detailing years of attacks on dissent and civil society: www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
Two dozen humanitarian workers face trial on the Greek island of Lesbos this week on baseless felony charges.
This case sends a dangerous message that helping people on the move is a legal offense.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Mj4FOr
This case sends a dangerous message that helping people on the move is a legal offense.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Mj4FOr
December 4, 2025 at 6:49 PM
🚨 The trial of 24 humanitarian workers starts TODAY. My colleague, @billvanesveld.bsky.social, and I are on Lesbos, Greece, to monitor and report on this critical moment for solidarity.
Follow us for updates and read our full analysis here:
www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
Follow us for updates and read our full analysis here:
www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
December 4, 2025 at 7:15 AM
🚨 The trial of 24 humanitarian workers starts TODAY. My colleague, @billvanesveld.bsky.social, and I are on Lesbos, Greece, to monitor and report on this critical moment for solidarity.
Follow us for updates and read our full analysis here:
www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
Follow us for updates and read our full analysis here:
www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
🚨 Happening Now! Solidarity on trial in #Greece.
Today, 24 humanitarian workers appear before a court in Lesbos on baseless felony charges carrying up to 20 years in prison—all for saving lives at sea. This prosecution is an outrage.
For more info see @hrw.org dispatch: www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
Today, 24 humanitarian workers appear before a court in Lesbos on baseless felony charges carrying up to 20 years in prison—all for saving lives at sea. This prosecution is an outrage.
For more info see @hrw.org dispatch: www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
Solidarity on Trial in Greece
Two dozen humanitarian workers face trial on the Greek island of Lesbos this week on baseless felony charges that carry 20 years in prison.
www.hrw.org
December 4, 2025 at 5:33 AM
🚨 Happening Now! Solidarity on trial in #Greece.
Today, 24 humanitarian workers appear before a court in Lesbos on baseless felony charges carrying up to 20 years in prison—all for saving lives at sea. This prosecution is an outrage.
For more info see @hrw.org dispatch: www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
Today, 24 humanitarian workers appear before a court in Lesbos on baseless felony charges carrying up to 20 years in prison—all for saving lives at sea. This prosecution is an outrage.
For more info see @hrw.org dispatch: www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
Reposted by Eva Cossé
Tout acte sexuel non consenti est désormais considéré comme un viol dans la loi française.
C'est une avancée majeure dans la lutte contre les violences sexuelles en France ♀️👇
www.hrw.org/fr/news/2025...
C'est une avancée majeure dans la lutte contre les violences sexuelles en France ♀️👇
www.hrw.org/fr/news/2025...
La France redéfinit le viol dans une loi historique
Le Parlement français a adopté une loi historique qui définit le viol comme tout acte sexuel non consenti – une avancée majeure dans la lutte contre les violences sexuelles dans le pays.
www.hrw.org
October 30, 2025 at 9:12 AM
Tout acte sexuel non consenti est désormais considéré comme un viol dans la loi française.
C'est une avancée majeure dans la lutte contre les violences sexuelles en France ♀️👇
www.hrw.org/fr/news/2025...
C'est une avancée majeure dans la lutte contre les violences sexuelles en France ♀️👇
www.hrw.org/fr/news/2025...
Reposted by Eva Cossé
La France est responsable de violations graves et systématiques des droits des enfants migrants non accompagnés selon le Comité des droits de l'enfant de l'ONU.
Les autorités devraient veiller de toute urgence à ce que ces enfants vulnérables bénéficient de la protection à laquelle ils ont droit.
Les autorités devraient veiller de toute urgence à ce que ces enfants vulnérables bénéficient de la protection à laquelle ils ont droit.
La France manque à ses obligations envers les enfants migrants non accompagnés
Dans un rapport accablant publié la semaine dernière, le Comité des droits de l'enfant des Nations unies a conclu que la France était responsable de violations graves et systématiques des droits des e...
www.hrw.org
October 24, 2025 at 1:15 PM
La France est responsable de violations graves et systématiques des droits des enfants migrants non accompagnés selon le Comité des droits de l'enfant de l'ONU.
Les autorités devraient veiller de toute urgence à ce que ces enfants vulnérables bénéficient de la protection à laquelle ils ont droit.
Les autorités devraient veiller de toute urgence à ce que ces enfants vulnérables bénéficient de la protection à laquelle ils ont droit.
Reposted by Eva Cossé
When politicians undermine the European Court of Human Rights, we all lose. With Europe facing some of the gravest threats since the end of WW2, European governments should be bolstering regional institutions, not undermining them.
Read my new analysis for @HRW
www.hrw.org/news/2025/09...
Read my new analysis for @HRW
www.hrw.org/news/2025/09...
When Politicians Undermine Europe’s Rights Court, We All Lose
The European Court of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights are under attack again.
www.hrw.org
September 18, 2025 at 9:28 AM
When politicians undermine the European Court of Human Rights, we all lose. With Europe facing some of the gravest threats since the end of WW2, European governments should be bolstering regional institutions, not undermining them.
Read my new analysis for @HRW
www.hrw.org/news/2025/09...
Read my new analysis for @HRW
www.hrw.org/news/2025/09...
Reposted by Eva Cossé
"The European Commission has noted the narrowing space in Greece for groups working with migrants and asylum seekers. It should now take a stronger stance over the issue and press Greece to stop harassing civil society groups and activists." @evacosse.bsky.social @hrw.org www.hrw.org/news/2025/09...
Greece’s Latest Assault on Civil Society
Greece’s Migration Minister Thanos Plevris recently announced his intention to adopt new measures to silence criticism of the government’s migration policies.
www.hrw.org
September 16, 2025 at 1:33 PM
"The European Commission has noted the narrowing space in Greece for groups working with migrants and asylum seekers. It should now take a stronger stance over the issue and press Greece to stop harassing civil society groups and activists." @evacosse.bsky.social @hrw.org www.hrw.org/news/2025/09...
Reposted by Eva Cossé
When Europe's leaders attack the European Court of Human Rights, we all lose. My new piece in @euobserver.com
With Europe facing some of the gravest threats since the end of WW2, govts should be commending & strengthening regional institutions, not undermining them
euobserver.com/eu-and-the-w...
With Europe facing some of the gravest threats since the end of WW2, govts should be commending & strengthening regional institutions, not undermining them
euobserver.com/eu-and-the-w...
We all lose when politicians attack the European Court of Human Rights
The European Court of Human Rights is under attack — again. But the main obstacle to its effective functioning remains the reluctance of some governments to fully implement its rulings and tackle the...
euobserver.com
September 15, 2025 at 1:45 PM
When Europe's leaders attack the European Court of Human Rights, we all lose. My new piece in @euobserver.com
With Europe facing some of the gravest threats since the end of WW2, govts should be commending & strengthening regional institutions, not undermining them
euobserver.com/eu-and-the-w...
With Europe facing some of the gravest threats since the end of WW2, govts should be commending & strengthening regional institutions, not undermining them
euobserver.com/eu-and-the-w...
Reposted by Eva Cossé
" #Greece's Asylum Suspension Denies Rights, Puts Lives at Risk
EU Action Needed to Safeguard People Seeking Safety"
#RefugeesGr
by @evacosse.bsky.social
www.hrw.org/news/2025/07...
EU Action Needed to Safeguard People Seeking Safety"
#RefugeesGr
by @evacosse.bsky.social
www.hrw.org/news/2025/07...
Greece's Asylum Suspension Denies Rights, Puts Lives at Risk
Greece has suspended the ability for people coming by boat via North Africa to seek asylum –violating their rights, potentially putting their lives at risk and flouting its obligations under EU law.
www.hrw.org
July 20, 2025 at 4:37 PM
" #Greece's Asylum Suspension Denies Rights, Puts Lives at Risk
EU Action Needed to Safeguard People Seeking Safety"
#RefugeesGr
by @evacosse.bsky.social
www.hrw.org/news/2025/07...
EU Action Needed to Safeguard People Seeking Safety"
#RefugeesGr
by @evacosse.bsky.social
www.hrw.org/news/2025/07...