Greece Allegedly Uses Migrants to Displace other Migrants

A BBC investigation has uncovered evidence that Greek police have used migrants to forcibly return others across the border with Turkey, with internal documents indicating the practice was directed by senior officers.

Testimonies describe severe violence, including beatings, robbery, strip searches and sexual assaults. Migrants and former participants in the operations reported cases in which people were beaten unconscious, as well as allegations of rape and degrading treatment of children.

According to the findings, the so-called “mercenaries” are recruited from migrants from countries including Pakistan, Syria and Afghanistan. In exchange, they are said to receive cash, mobile phones or documents allowing them to move within Greece.

The Greek prime minister said he did not know the practices, while authorities did not respond to BBC questions. The forced return of migrants without due process is regarded as illegal under international law.

“There is not a soldier, police officer or Frontex (the EU border agency) officer serving here in Evros who does not know that migrants are being pushed out,” a police source told the broadcaster.

(max)