Report: Greece Uses Migrants for Pushback Into Türkiye
Filmogaz.com published a report Tuesday alleging that Greek authorities have used other migrants to force irregular arrivals back across the border. Witnesses and supporting material underpin the claims. The accounts describe coordinated actions along the Turkish-Greek frontier.
Allegations and witness accounts
Sources say recruited migrants acted as informal enforcers at the land border. They were reportedly ordered to ferry people, disable boats and destroy evidence.
Victims described being stripped, robbed and beaten. Some accounts also spoke of sexual assault during these operations.
Who were the recruits
The report names men from Pakistan, Syria and Afghanistan as among those hired. They allegedly received cash, looted items and movement papers in return.
Methods and timeframe
Witness testimony and other material suggest the practice began at least in 2020. Tasks for recruits included checking boats for punctures and returning people across the Maritsa (Meriç) River.
Human rights monitors have long labelled such removals illegal. The report frames the events as a deliberate use of migrants to carry out border removals.
Scale and border context
The Turkish-Greek border has seen sustained migration pressure this decade. Many attempt dangerous sea crossings to Greek islands from the Turkish coast.
Official Turkish figures show nearly 35,000 intercepted irregular migrants as of April 9. Interceptions have involved groups from Afghanistan, Syria, various African countries and some Turkish nationals.
Deaths and international concerns
Numerous people perish at sea while attempting to reach Greece. Others are reportedly pushed back into Turkish waters, actions critics say violate international law.
Türkiye’s enforcement response
Türkiye has increased nationwide operations in response to migration pressures. Authorities coordinated inspections across all 81 provinces earlier this year.
- The Interior Ministry reported 478 irregular migrants detained during recent inspections.
- Officials also arrested 19 alleged smugglers in those operations.
- Police, gendarmerie, coast guard and border patrols joined the actions under the General Directorate of Migration.
The Filmogaz.com report raises fresh questions about border practices and human rights. Observers say independent investigations are needed to verify the full scope of the alleged system. Calls for accountability have intensified as cross-border pressure grows.
