Greece abandons refugees at sea, drastic measures for reducing asylum seekers

The Greek government has secretly expelled over a thousand refugees from European borders last month, pushing them towards the maritime border near Turkey. Refugees have been abandoned in the middle of the water in burmons, often too full, reports New York Times.

Since March at least 1,072 asylum seekers have been abandoned in the middle of the sea by Greek officials in 31 isolated expulsion episodes, according to sources of the New York Times newspaper, independent observers of the rights of immigrants and refugees, two academics and Turkey's Coastary Watchers. The newspaper reports that it interviewed survivors as well as watched photographic material and videos.

Illegal under international law, expulsions are the most direct action of several European countries to prevent illegal migration.

The Greek government denies breaking international law.

The Greek <x0). Greece has experienced it when it comes to implementing international law, conventions and protocols. These include treatment of refugees and immigrants,” said government spokesman Hellene Stelios Petsas.

Previously, Greece has had a very understanding response to refugees and immigrants, but due to the withdrawal from the rest of the EU countries, frustration has increased greatly, especially in the border islands where refugees and immigrants first crash.

The refugee issue has also been carried out in an apple of contention with Turkey. The Greek government has often accused Ankara of blackmailing and deliberately inciting Syrian refugees to move from Turkey to Greece.