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.
Former cases:
- All
- Crete
- Uncategorized
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!
Plea deals for Abdulrahman, Samuel & his co-defendant
Greece, Crete.
The life sentences all three faced were avoided, but only by pleading guilty. This raises serious concerns about the nature of plea deals, which bypass full trials and proper examination of evidence.
Trial against 18-Year-Old Abdulrahman and another Sudanese teenager
Greece, Crete.
18-year-old Abdulrahman spoke up for his co-passenger, yet both were charged — their story is a stark example of both the absurdity of this criminalization and the solidarity of those affected.
18-Year-Old Ariad and 19-Year-Old Chatiem Sentenced to ‘only’ 10 years instead of 300
Greece, Crete.
On April 30, 2025, the trials of Ariad & Chatiem took place. They faced the prospect of 355 and 90 years in prison. This is what a ‘legal victory’ looks like in a deeply unjust system.
“I fled my home not because I wanted to, but because I had to.”
Greece, Crete.
With a broken arm and still a minor, he fled the war. Five days after turning 18, he was arrested and now faces life in prison for helping on the boat.
19-Year-Old Refugee Faces Life in Prison for Distributing Food on the Boat
Greece, Crete.
On April 7, 2025, Emmanuel, a 19-year-old refugee from Sudan who lost half of his family during the war, will stand trial in Chania.