Greece under pressure after BBC “mercenary pushback” claims, opposition demands inquiry
Greece is facing renewed international scrutiny following allegations reported by BBC that armed individuals—described as “mercenaries”—have been involved in illegal pushbacks of migrants along the country’s land borders with Türkiye.
The claims, reportedly linked to activities in the Evros (Meriç) region, have triggered strong political reactions, with the opposition New Left Party Greece accusing the government of enabling unlawful practices under the guise of border protection.
Opposition: “Dark Practices Cannot Be Justified”
In a sharply worded statement, the New Left Party argued that protecting borders cannot serve as a pretext for what it described as “parallel state” operations. The party said the BBC’s findings risk damaging Greece’s international reputation and reflect what it called the government’s “far-right migration agenda.”
The statement also referenced previous investigations by Lighthouse Reports in 2022, which raised similar concerns about coordinated pushback operations. According to the opposition, evidence suggests that foreign nationals may have been involved in these operations with the knowledge or tolerance of state authorities.
Allegations cited include incidents of violence, theft, humiliation, and even sexual assault during forced returns of migrants—claims that have intensified calls for transparency and accountability.
Political Pressure on Prime Minister Mitsotakis
The New Left Party criticized Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for repeatedly denying knowledge of such incidents. In a pointed remark, the party drew a comparison to Alfred Hitchcock, suggesting that instead of “The Man Who Knew Too Much,” a film about Mitsotakis would be titled “The Man Who Knew Nothing.”
The opposition further argued that either the prime minister is unaware of critical state actions or that “ignorance” has effectively become a governing principle—calling both possibilities deeply troubling.
Government Response: “Full Respect for Human Rights”
In response, the Ministry of Interior Greece rejected the allegations, stating that Greece’s border security operations are conducted “in full compliance with international, European, and national law, and with full respect for fundamental rights and human dignity.”
The ministry noted that the claims appear to relate to incidents during a transitional government period in 2023 and emphasized that similar allegations had already been addressed in the past. It also argued that many reports are based on testimonies and unverified secondary sources.
However, officials stated that all allegations will be taken seriously and examined through established legal and oversight mechanisms.
A Broader European Challenge
The ministry concluded by highlighting the complexity of managing migration flows at the external borders of the European Union, stressing that Greece remains committed to fulfilling its responsibilities while ensuring transparency and cooperation with relevant institutions.
As pressure mounts, the controversy adds to ongoing debates over migration policy, border enforcement, and human rights compliance across Europe.
