Syrian swimmer Sarah Mardini cleared by Greek court over migrant rescues

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by Lyndal RowlandsJanuary 16, 2026 at 06:51 AM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

A Greek court has acquitted 24 rescue volunteers, including Syrian competitive swimmer Sarah Mardini, of human trafficking charges related to their efforts to save migrants from drowning. The volunteers, who were part of the Emergency Response Centre International (ERCI) organisation, faced charges since their arrest in 2018. They had been accused of facilitating illegal entry and forming a criminal organisation. However, the court ruled that their aim was not to commit criminal acts but to provide humanitarian aid. Mardini, whose rescue of her sister inspired the Netflix film The Swimmers, expressed her relief after the verdict, stating that "saving human lives is not a crime." The acquittal aims to prevent the criminalisation of humanitarian assistance and protect volunteer organisations.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Turkiye 50% Emergency Response Centre International (ERCI) ×260% Lesbos ×360% Greece ×470% Sarah Mardini ×480%

Keywords

sarah mardini 100% migrant rescues 90% humanitarian aid 80% criminalisation of humanitarian assistance 70% greek court 70% human trafficking charges 70% refugees 60% acquittal 60% lesbos 50% drowning 40%