SYRIZA demands clarification of irregular migrant deaths

Yorgos Psihoyos, member of the main opposition party SYRIZA in charge of migration policy, demanded an investigation into a report based on witness statements that at least 43 irregular migrants died in 15 incidents in three years as a result of pushback by Greek forces.

"We demand a thorough investigation, answers, accountability," Psihoyos told the BBC. We want this because we value human life. We cannot get used to the loss of life."

Psihoyos stated that his party had previously requested the clarification of the allegations raised by international institutions and organisations in recent years regarding the Greek Coast Guard.

GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON
Meanwhile, government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said in a statement in response to a question from journalists that the allegations have not yet been proven and are being investigated, adding: "Recently, thanks to the good cooperation of the Turkish and Greek authorities, a significant number of people smugglers have been eliminated in the framework of the fight against the origin of irregular migration."

Witnesses told the British media organisation BBC that Greek forces had caused the deaths of 43 irregular migrants in 15 push-back incidents in the Mediterranean over the past three years.

According to a BBC report based on witness statements, 43 people died after being pushed by Greek forces or abandoned at sea after reaching Greek islands.

In the news report, it was stated that during the interview, BBC showed the video of 12 irregular migrants being put on a Greek Coast Guard boat and then left on an inflatable boat to a former coast guard employee. It was stated that this person thought that the microphone was turned off during the interruption of the interview and said in Greek in a telephone conversation with someone else, "I don't know why they did this in broad daylight. It is absolutely illegal and an international crime."