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
Seebrucke 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.