Sara Mardini

Sara Mardini is a Syrian refugee who became a campaigner and aid worker. She gained prominence for her involvement in rescuing migrants and asylum-seekers in Greece during the European refugee crisis between 2015 and 2018. Mardini, along with 23 other aid workers, faced charges in Greece, including human trafficking and migrant smuggling, which could have resulted in up to 20 years in prison. These charges stemmed from their work with an NGO that assisted asylum-seekers at risk of drowning off the island of Lesbos. Recently, after a seven-year legal ordeal, Mardini and the other aid workers were acquitted of all charges. This acquittal is newsworthy because it highlights the criminalization of humanitarian aid and raises questions about the treatment of individuals and organizations assisting migrants and refugees. The case is significant due to its implications for future rescue efforts and the broader debate surrounding migration policies in Europe.