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Rescue groups supporters
and refugees
held a demonstration
in centrals athens to highlight
what they call the increasing
criminalisation of sea rescues
and the anti-migration polices
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 ‘Seebrucke’
that translates a 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 the Irish volunteer Sean Binder
currently in Greek custody
for allegedly facilitating
refugees and migrants
into Greece.