Aid Workers Stand Trial for Helping to Smuggle People Into Greece

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Niki KitsantonisDecember 4, 2025 at 06:55 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

In Greece, 24 aid workers, including Syrian refugee turned activist Sara Mardini, are on trial as of December 4, 2025, facing charges of facilitating illegal entry, money laundering, and criminal organization membership. The charges stem from their work with the Emergency Response Center International, a now-defunct Greek nonprofit that assisted refugees arriving on the island of Lesbos during the European migration crisis of 2015-2016. The trial follows a lengthy legal process that began in 2018 and comes amid increased restrictions on asylum seekers and civil society groups in Greece. The activists, who deny the charges, face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. The case highlights a hardening climate against aid workers and migrants in Europe.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Emergency Response Center International ×250% Lesbos ×380% Sara Mardini ×5100% Greece ×6100%

Keywords

aid workers 100% refugee crisis 90% human smuggling 80% greece 70% illegal entry 70% sara mardini 60% migration 60% criminal organization 50% lesbos 50% asylum seekers 40%