Archive · 16 Jan 2026
Greek Court Acquits Aid Workers of Migrant-Smuggling Charges
A Greek court has found 24 aid workers not guilty of helping migrants illegally enter the country.
These workers were part of a group called Emergency Response Center International (ERCI) that helped refugees in Greece.
Two of them, Sarah Mardini and Sean Binder, were even in a Netflix movie called The Swimmers.
The workers were accused of serious crimes, but the court said they were innocent.
The trial took a very long time, and some people think the charges were unfair.
Greece has been stricter about migrants recently, but the court's decision was a big win for the aid workers.
A Greek court acquitted 24 aid workers of migrant smuggling charges and money laundering.
The defendants were affiliated with Emergency Response Center International (ERCI), operating on Lesbos from 2016 to 2018.
Notable defendants included Sarah Mardini and Sean Binder, who spent over 100 days in pre-trial detention.
The court dismissed all charges, calling the case a baseless attempt to ban aid for refugees.
Greece has toughened its stance on migrants, reinforcing border controls with fences and sea patrols.
- Who
- 24 aid workers, including Sarah Mardini and Sean Binder, affiliated with Emergency Response Center International (ERCI)
- What
- Acquitted of migrant smuggling charges and money laundering
- When
- January 16, 2024
- Where
- Lesbos, Greece
- Why
- Charges were deemed unfounded by the court
- Defendants
- 24 aid workers affiliated with Emergency Response Center International (ERCI)
- Charges
- Involvement in a criminal group facilitating illegal entry of migrants and money laundering
- Trial Location
- Lesbos, Greece
- Notable Defendants
- Sarah Mardini and Sean Binder
- Pre-trial Detention
- Over 100 days for Sarah Mardini and Sean Binder
- Case Duration
- 2,897 days
- Human Rights Watch Statement
- Prosecutions were abusive and called for an end to criminalising solidarity
- Greece's Stance
- Respects international law and human rights