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Human rights organisations demand justice for victims of Pylos shipwreck after ‘starkly divergent’ accounts of events – JURIST

On Thursday, two human rights organisations called for an independent investigation into the actions of the Greek coast guard after a migrant vessel sank off the coast of Pylos, Greece, leaving at least 82 people declared dead. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch argue that the contested series of events require a thorough examination to ensure full accountability.The coast guard alleged that the boat refused assistance from both its own ships and merchant vessels. It stated that people on board insisted they wanted to continue to Italy, the boat’s destination. However, survivors’ accounts in interviews conducted by the two organisations confirm suspicions that it was towed, causing the fatal wreck. Interviewees also stated that they consistently asked to be rescued in contrast to the version of events given by the court guard. The coast guard has vehemently denied these claims.The organisations argue that these “starkly divergent accounts” are “extremely concerning,” requiring scrutiny to “hold those responsible to account.” In an investigation conducted by Forensic Architecture, a research agency investigating human rights violations, they argued that the Greek coast guard faces “crucial responsibility for the shipwreck”.Greek authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the coast guard’s actions. Amnesty International commented that it is “vital” to adhere to “the international human rights standard of impartiality, independence and effectiveness.” They argue that the Supreme Court Prosecutor’s Office should supervise the investigation to ensure its credibility.In parallel with this national investigation, the EU Ombudsman launched an investigation into the actions of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, in connection with the sinking of the boat.Amnesty International highlighted that this incident is part of “an unconscionably long list of tragedies in the Mediterranean,” requiring reorientation of border policies to focus on safe and legal routes for asylum seekers and refugees. The European Court of Human Rights has previously condemned Greece’s failures in handling rescue operations of migrants and the shortcomings in the subsequent investigation of the Farmakonisi shipwreck, which took place in 2014.