Own initiative investigation by the Greek Ombudsman on alleged pushbacks to Turkey of foreign nationals who had arrived in Greece seeking international protection
Description
Interim report
(updated up to 31 December 2020)
An interim report on alleged illegal pushbacks of foreign nationals from Greece to Turkey, in the area of Evros river was publicised by the Ombudsman, on April 28, 2021. The report provides a brief, concise overview of the Ombudsman’s own-initiative inquiry from June 2017 through the end of 2020. It presents key aspects of the reported incidents, records the handling of the allegations by the Greek authorities and makes proposals, in the direction of shielding legality, enhancing transparency, and ensuring full respect for the principles of the rule of law. The interim report has already been sent to the Minister of Citizens’ Protection and the Chief of the Police.