Alarm Phone denounces ‘shameful, violent pushbacks’ by Greek authorities

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⁨Alarm Phone, an organization that provides independent support for people crossing Central Mediterranean Sea to the EU, has denounced what it described as shameful, and violent practices by Greek authorities.

Alarm Phone condemnation is following report of another pushback by HCoastGuard.

Decrying the action, Alarm Phone said: “Another #pushback by @HCoastGuard!
From the #Turkish coastguard we received the information that they located the group on the Turkish island Kara Ada yesterday. They were then taken back to the mainland.

“According to the group, they were pushed back & abandoned on a life raft, which drifted at sea until it stranded on the island. We denounce these shameful & violent practices of the #Greek authorities, who have once again endangered lives!”

Alarm Phone had earlier alerted the public to the plight of 38 people in distress off Sicily.

It said: “We are in contact with this group on board a small fiber glass boat near Sicily. Reportedly, their engine isn’t working anymore and after 3 days at sea, people are sick & have fuel burns. Where is the Italian coastguard? We alerted 14h ago!”