Online Q&A: Nov. 6, 2024 – A Life Long Innocent In Prison?

November 1, 2024

Over the last ten years, the criminalization of refugees has been used more and more systematically as a deterrent strategy to prevent refugees from seeking international protection in the EU.

The Greek authorities have begun to increasingly target the drivers of boats and vehicles, arresting and prosecuting them on charges of “smuggling”.

Innocent people in search of safety and opportunity are paying the price.

On behalf of LNOB, Legal Centre Lesvos, Human Rights Legal Project, #FreeHomayoun and #FreePylos9 we invite you to an online discussion about the criminalization of refugees in Greece!

On November 6 at 5 pm CET you will have the opportunity to learn more about his trial and the criminalization of refugees in Greece from Homayoun’s lawyers and the #FreeHomayoun team.

Who will you meet?

Ioanna BegiaziHuman Rights Lawyer for the Human Rights Legal Project Harry Ladis: Criminal lawyer and representative of Homayoun Vicky Aggelidou: Criminal lawyer of the Legal Center Lesvos

In light of the recent trial of Homayoun Sabetara, an Iranian asylum seeker who was wrongly charged with alleged smuggling, we will hold an online discussion with legal experts from Greece about the criminalization of refugees by the Greek authorities and the gaps in the justice system.

If you have any questions beforehand, please write to us at kontakt@lnob.net. Ansonsten wird es während der Veranstaltung auch möglich sein, eure Fragen an die Expert*innen zu stellen. Wir freuen uns auf euch!

You can also campaign with us for the release of criminalized fugitives. Because we demand justice for all innocent detainees. Over 2,000 people are being held in Greece on charges of “smuggling” or even “human trafficking”. In prison. In many cases, these are people who have had to flee. Who were forced to drive a boat or car. And who were arrested immediately after their arrival.

Without the help of lawyers and legal aid organizations, the sentence is usually life imprisonment – or even an absurd 300 years.

Join us in supporting local human rights organizations:

We become active where states fail to act. But only with your support!

With our work we put pressure on German politics to take responsibility and finally change something! Your donations will be used for the #LeaveNoOneBehind campaign: For our own projects, as well as for funded projects and organizations that provide urgently needed support at the EU’s external borders and refugee routes.