🆘 Civil Society: Greece remains "obstructed" (CIVICUS). Authorities continue to criminalize solidarity. 24 humanitarian workers faced trial in Dec 2025 in what the EU Parliament calls the "largest case of criminalization of solidarity in Europe."

Migration: A historic first—21 Coast Guard officers face felony charges for the 2023 Pylos shipwreck. However, systemic pushbacks continue. In July 2025, the gov suspended asylum access for 3 months for arrivals from North Africa—a clear violation of EU law.

🔍 Surveillance: The "Predatorgate" scandal remains unresolved. While a misdemeanor trial of 4 spyware executives began in Sept 2025, no state officials have been held accountable for the wiretapping of politicians and journalists.

📰 Media Freedom: For the 4th year, Greece ranks LAST in the EU for press freedom (RSF). Journalists face a hostile environment: state surveillance, SLAPPs (abusive lawsuits), and intimidation. Impunity for the 2021 murder of Giorgos Karaivaz remains a dark shadow.

⚖️ Rule of Law: Lack of accountability for the 2023 Tempi train crash has exposed systemic failings. A January 2025 poll showed >80% of Greeks lack faith in the justice system. Mass protests continue to demand justice.

‪🚨 MAJOR UPDATE: The bench prosecutor in Lesbos has recommended that all 24 defendants be found NOT GUILTY.‬

‪He stated that none of the allegations were proven. The court is now adjourned—judges return in less than an hour for the final verdit.‬

One defendant's testimony today cut through the "empty" legal arguments:

"If you have ever taken a child out of a small boat so cold you don’t know if it’s alive or not, you don’t want the boat to be on the water any longer than necessary."

Saving lives is a human reflex.

#FreeHumanitarians

Update from Lesbos: The trial is currently paused. ⚖️

The hearing is set to resume at 3:30 PM local time, when the prosecutor will issue his recommendation on the felony charges.

My colleague Bill Van Esveld is on-site monitoring the situation.

#FreeHumanitarians