Rabia İclal Turan
27 October 2020•Update: 27 October 2020
ANKARA
EU’s border agency announced Tuesday it launched an internal investigation into Greece’s illegal pushbacks of migrants after various reports by international media outlets.
“We are looking into the accusations levelled by several news organisations related to our activities at Greece’s external border,” Frontex Executive Director Fabrice Leggeri said in a written statement that indicated the agency would not tolerate any violations of fundamental rights.
“We remain committed to providing support to Greece at its external borders in line with our mandate and in the spirit of EU solidarity, in full respect of fundamental rights and international law,” he added.
The agency informed EU Commissioner Ylva Johansson, according to the statement that said no documents or materials have been found to substantiate the accusations.
Frontex said the disagreement between Turkey and Greece about “maritime borders” has further complicated the situation in the eastern Aegean.
Greek border guards have long been accused by human rights groups of deliberately abandoning and pushing back refugees at sea.
Der Spiegel last week published documents showing Frontex units observed and even backed the practice in recent months, in violation of international law.
“[Our] research proves for the first time that Frontex officials know about the Greek border guards’ illegal practices -- and that the agency itself is at times involved in the pushbacks,” the weekly reported.
It documented at least six incidents that showed Frontex units involved in pushbacks near the Lesbos and Samos islands between April 28 and Aug. 19.
Der Spiegel’s reporting was also backed by Lighthouse Reports, Bellingcat, German public broadcaster ARD, and Japanese broadcaster TV Asahi.
