Greece: Rescuers on trial

The podcast "Assignment Rescuers on Trial" investigates the legal challenges faced by humanitarian aid workers in Greece, focusing on the trial of Sean Binder and others accused of human smuggling. It questions whether aiding migrants can be criminalized, highlighting the complexities of refugee policy. The trial includes testimonies from figures like Erasmia Roumana from the UNHCR and local fisherman Thanasis Marmarinos, revealing the scale of the refugee crisis and the involvement of volunteers. The podcast explores the "pull factor" theory, questioning whether rescue operations inadvertently encourage illegal crossings. Ultimately, the defendants are found not guilty, but the verdict's impact on future rescue efforts remains uncertain, as Greek authorities maintain strict border control policies.