Press Conference Invitation
Two years after the Pylos crime
Developments in the criminal proceedings – Criminal prosecution against 17 Hellenic Coast Guard members
Thursday, 19 June, at 11:00 AM, at the Athens Bar Association (60 Akadimias St., Athens)
Athens, 13/6/2025
Two years after the crime in Pylos, the deadliest shipwreck recorded in the Mediterranean in recent years, the developments in the criminal proceedings constitute a first, substantial step towards justice and accountability for the survivors and victims.
The lawyers and organisations representing the survivors and victim families of the Pylos shipwreck of 14 June, 2023, who have filed a complaint before the Piraeus Naval Court, invite you to a Press Conference on Thursday, 19 June, at 11:00 AM, at the Athens Bar Association (60 Akadimias St., Athens).
The press conference will focus on the recent, significant developments in the criminal proceedings concerning the Pylos shipwreck. Specifically, we will provide an update on the recent criminal prosecution for felonies against 17 members of the Hellenic Coast Guard, including senior officers of its leadership. The charges include, among others, causing a shipwreck, dangerous interference of maritime transport resulting in fatalities, as well as failure to provide assistance and exposing others to danger. Additionally, we will inform you about the filing of an appeal against the Prosecutor’s Order that archived the case concerning four other officers.
The Pylos shipwreck, which occurred two years ago, is not an “accident”: It is a crime that unfolded over 15 hours, leading to numerous anticipated deaths, highlighting the deadly consequences of the institutionalised policies and systematic deterrence practices followed at the EU’s external borders. Holding those responsible for the shipwreck accountable and delivering justice to the survivors, victims, and their families is a prerequisite for our democracy and a central issue for the rule of law in Greece.
Lawyers from our organisations representing the survivors and families of the victims will speak at the press conference.
The organisations:
Network for Social Support of Refugees and Migrants
Hellenic League for Human Rights (HLHR)
Greek Council for Refugees (GCR)
Initiative of Lawyers and Jurists for the Pylos Shipwreck
Refugee Support Aegean (RSA)
Legal Centre Lesvos
