Athens protest over treatment of migrants
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Rescue groups, supporters
and refugees
held a demonstration
in central Athens to highlight
what they call
the increasing criminalisation
of sea rescues
and the anti-migration policies
of some EU countries.
Some of the protesters lay down
in front of banners
that read "would you save us?"
to bring attention
to the problem of the thousands
of people who die each year
trying to reach Europe.
The predominant colour was orange,
a reference to the life jackets
usually worn by migrants
picked up in the Mediterranean.
The rally in Athens was just
one event in a series across Europe
organised by the international
movement Seebruecke
that translates as Sea Bridge.
The movement is calling
for the establishment
of safe routes for refugees,
safe harbors
an end to the criminalisation of
sea rescues and humane conditions
for refugees upon arrival.
Some also called for the release
of prominent Syrian refugee
Sara Mardini and Irish
volunteer Sean Binder currently in
Greek custody for allegedly facilitating
refugees and migrants into Greece.