Our cases
Since 2015, the fight against smuggling has been a key focus of European migration policy, but due to a deliberately broad legal definition, it is often people on the move themselves who are criminalized.
With thousands across the EU and its external borders charged with ‘smuggling’ or ‘facilitating unauthorized entry’.
In the absence of safe and legal alternatives, many seeking protection are forced to undertake perilous journeys by boat or car. Some are coerced or choose to take on the task of driving to lower the cost of the journey, while others are simply trying to bring themselves and their families to safety.
Despite the lack of evidence, individuals are frequently arrested upon arrival, accused of smuggling, and detained for long periods without adequate legal support. Trials are often brief, unfair, and result in harsh sentences and fines.
Below, you can find the stories of a few of the affected individuals whom we have been able to support so far.
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Mixed results in Chania court on the 19.11.25
We were present in Chania court to monitor “smuggling” trials together with our comrades. The court had scheduled 16 cases with 23 individuals for the day…
10 years for Nourdeen & Mohamad
Greece, Crete.
The trial of Nourdeen and Mohamad, two 20-year-old men from Sudan, took place. Both were sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for surviving.
Plea Deals in Greece: Quick Convictions Instead of Fair Trials
More and more trials involving accusations of “smuggling” now end with so-called “plea deals.” This supposed compromise comes with a rarely discussed catch..
All trials postponed – The Boys left behind bars
Greece, Crete. We witnessed the trials of Sudanese boys accused of “smuggling”. None of their cases were heard; they were delayed until November and December.
Day in Court in Chania: Hearings Postponed, Rights Denied
On 01.09 dozens of young men from Sudan, Bangladesh, and Egypt were supposed to stand trial in Chania, Crete. But none of the announced hearings actually took place.
Freedom for Bada!
Greece, Crete.
The 19-year-old survivor of war, forced labor and human trafficking was forced at gunpoint to steer the boat – now he faces life in prison. He will stand trial on 01.09.25.
Freedom for Garan!
Greece, Crete.
Still a child, he fled South Sudan & Sudan, and was forced at gunpoint to steer the boat — now, in the EU, he faces life in prison. He will stand trial on 01.09.
Freedom for Suleman!
Greece, Crete.
Fleeing the war in Sudan as a child, the 18-year old is now prosecuted in Greece for boat driving. His trial will be on 01.09.2025
#ALL EYES ON CRETE!
Greece, Crete.
On September 1st and 2nd, dozens of young Sudanese men and boys, as well as people of other nationalities, are set to stand trial in smuggling cases,
Acquittal for Niom!
Greece, Crete.
For the first time, the court on Crete finally decided: as an asylum seeker, Niom cannot be criminalized for steering his own boat!