On November 22, 2022, a fishing boat departed from Libya carrying nearly 500 people, but it drifted off course near Crete due to strong winds. The Greek Coast Guard intervened, towing the vessel to safety. Instead of receiving aid, seven survivors who had helped navigate the boat were arrested. Among them was H. Elfallah, an experienced fisherman who used his skills to steer the vessel, and his then-15-year-old son, M. Elfallah. Rather than being recognized for preventing disaster, H. Elfallah was accused of smuggling 476 people and, while facing 4760 years in prison, in March 2023 he was sentenced to “only” 280 years. His son faced the same charges and spent over two years in legal limbo, with his trial repeatedly postponed. Finally, on January 29, 2025, a juvenile court acquitted him—but the ordeal had already stolen years of his youth.
