Free the Sudanese Youth Criminalized for Seeking Safety
We, , call on the Government of Greece, the European Union, and all relevant authorities to immediately release over 40 Sudanese youths currently facing life sentences for “boat driving” in Crete, Greece.
These young people — aged between 17 and 21 — fled the devastating war in Sudan in search of safety. During their perilous journey across the Mediterranean, smugglers coerced or forced some passengers to steer the boats under threat of violence. Instead of receiving protection and asylum, they have been charged under harsh anti-smuggling laws that carry extreme sentences.
We demand:
1. Immediate release of all Sudanese refugees charged solely for steering boats under coercion.
2. Fair trials with proper translation, legal representation, and recognition of their refugee status.
3. Reform of Greek anti-smuggling laws to stop criminalizing asylum-seekers and victims of trafficking.
4. Compliance with international refugee law and the principle of non-refoulement.
Criminalizing refugees is not justice — it is a violation of human rights.
We urge Greece and the EU to act now to Free the Boy
#freetheboys
from sudanuprisinggermany
