Greek Court Acquits 24 Humanitarian Workers in Landmark Lesvos Trial

Acquittal Ends Seven-Year Legal Ordeal

A Greek court on the island of Lesvos has acquitted 24 humanitarian workers, bringing an end to a protracted legal battle that spanned over seven years. The verdict, delivered by the North Aegean Criminal Court of Appeals in Mytilene on Thursday, January 15, 2026, saw all defendants cleared of serious felony charges, including membership of a criminal organization, facilitating illegal entry of third-country nationals, and money laundering. The court's decision was met with cheers and tears in the courtroom, marking a significant moment for humanitarian aid efforts in the region.

Key Defendants and Charges

Among the prominent figures acquitted were Sara Mardini, a Syrian refugee and competitive swimmer whose story was featured in the Netflix film 'The Swimmers,' and Sean Binder, a German-born Irish human rights activist. Both Mardini and Binder had spent over 100 days in pretrial detention following their arrest in August 2018. The 24 individuals, many of whom volunteered with the now-dissolved Emergency Response Center International (ERCI), faced potential prison sentences of up to 20 years if convicted. The charges stemmed from their involvement in search and rescue operations for migrants and refugees arriving on Lesvos between 2015 and 2018, at the height of the European refugee crisis.

Court's Reasoning and Prosecutor's Stance

Presiding Judge Vassilis Papathanassiou stated that the defendants' intention was 'not to commit criminal acts but to provide humanitarian aid.' This ruling underscored the court's recognition of their actions as legitimate humanitarian assistance. The prosecutor, prior to the verdict, had also recommended the defendants' acquittal, citing a lack of evidence to substantiate the charges, particularly regarding the existence of a hierarchical structure necessary to prove a criminal organization. Claims by the prosecution that the use of encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp to coordinate rescues constituted a criminal conspiracy were dismissed by the judge, who ruled that 'a communication group on the internet cannot be regarded as a criminal organisation.'

International Reaction and Broader Implications

The case had garnered significant international attention, with the European Parliament describing it as 'the largest case of the criminalization of solidarity in Europe.' Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, hailed the acquittal as a vindication of lifesaving activities at sea and a crucial moment for the treatment of humanitarians. While expressing relief, Sean Binder also conveyed anger at the seven-year delay in justice, stating, 'There is just no need to prosecute people for doing exactly what the European Union laws say we should be doing.' Sara Mardini emphasized the core principle, declaring, 'Saving lives is not a crime.'