Overview

Criminal proceedings were brought against 21 coast guard officers for the 2023 Pylos shipwreck. An unlawful and discriminatory three-month suspension of access to asylum for people coming to Greece through North Africa was imposed, leading to mass detentions in inadequate conditions. A new law on the return of third country nationals negatively impacted their rights. A felony trial started against 24 humanitarian workers who had assisted people in distress at sea. Reports of unnecessary and excessive use of force against peaceful protesters persisted. A controversial blanket ban was introduced on protests in areas outside the country’s parliament. Legislation seeking to combat gender-based violence was criticized for failing to prioritize support and prevention. Four executives of companies linked with the Predator spyware scandal stood trial. Reports of attacks against members of the LGBTI community persisted. Over a quarter of the country’s population were at risk of poverty or social exclusion.