Frontex reports allege migrant abuse and pushbacks in Greece
Reports prepared by the Fundamental Rights Office of Frontex have raised serious concerns over alleged human rights violations against irregular migrants in Greece, including claims of abuse, torture, and illegal pushbacks by security forces.
According to four separate reports covering the period between December 2025 and February 2026, incidents involving violence against migrants have been documented, with masked groups—allegedly linked to security forces—implicated in several cases.
Allegations of Violence and Forced Returns
The reports detail claims of physical assault, threats, and sexual abuse, alongside treatment described as degrading and inhumane. In multiple cases, migrants were reportedly forcibly returned to Turkey without due process, raising concerns over compliance with international and EU law.
The findings also point to instances where migrants were subjected to coercive practices at border areas, contributing to broader allegations of systematic pushbacks.
Concerns Over Lack of Cooperation
The Fundamental Rights Office noted that Greek authorities did not consistently demonstrate sufficient cooperation in investigating these incidents. In some cases, key information and documentation were reportedly not shared, limiting the ability to conduct thorough inquiries.
Potential Violations of EU Law
The reports emphasize that the documented practices may constitute violations of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, particularly in relation to the prohibition of inhuman or degrading treatment and the right to seek asylum.
The findings are expected to intensify ongoing debates within the European Union over border management practices and the protection of migrants’ rights at external borders.
