There have also been ongoing allegations that people are being forced into signing 'voluntary returns' documents back to places such as Syria. Written with Lorenzo Tondo who reported more on this issue back in December. www.theguardian.com/world/2024/d...

European govts and the UK have been deporting ppl back to Bulgaria when it's found they already have some trace of having sought asylum there but multiple orgs on the ground have reported poor conditions in accommodation centres as well as reports of violence against people on the move.

"…They say the criminalisation of #refugees and #asylum seekers is ineffective in disrupting smuggling networks, as the real smugglers are rarely on the boat."

via @katymfallon.bsky.social & @giorgoschristides.bsky.social

With thanks to @gesanchez.bsky.social, @juliawinkler.bsky.social, the defence lawyers and the young men such as nineteen year old Justin who gave testimony from behind bars for the story.

Some of the young men have been given fines of €4million euros & described their hopelessness after arriving in Europe hoping for a new start and safety only to be jailed.

Others face imminent trials after having arrived on boats from Libya to Crete. Human rights activists seeking their acquittal say they are being criminalised simply for migration and having fled a deadly war.

Somebody's son, somebody's brother. I'm glad these boys have a picture and a name.

Bulgarian authorities have denied any wrongdoing and say an investigation is underway.