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According to the EU border agency, Greece rejected an offer to monitor migrant boats

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EU border authorities claim that Greece ignored their offer to send an aircraft to watch over a migrant boat that ultimately sunk with a large number of casualties.

The UN estimates that 500 more people may have perished in the event last week, but at least 82 deaths are confirmed to have occurred.

Greece has come under fire for not doing enough to address the catastrophe.

The BBC also discovered that, contrary to the Greek narrative that the migrant boat was on a safe, steady route, it barely moved in the hours before it capsized.

The overloaded fishing boat had left Libya and was first seen early on June 13 sailing toward Greece in international seas.

It was discovered by a Frontex (the EU’s border agency) jet, which subsequently required refuelling.

The Greek coast guard, according to Frontex, never responded to its offer to send the plane back to the fishing boat to keep an eye on the situation.

The Greek government has refuted accusations that they failed to respond to the disaster as it was unfolding soon enough, maintaining that people on board informed the coastguards they wanted to be left alone so they could travel to Italy.

Contrary to the official story, a BBC study of other ships’ movements on the tragedy day clearly shows the ship barely moved for at least seven hours before it capsized.

The Greek coastguard has not responded to the most recent allegation that it did not accept Frontex’s offer of further aerial assistance.

The boat reportedly capsized about 02:04 on June 14 local time, some 80 kilometres (50 miles) south-west of the seaside town Pylos.

Although more than 100 people were saved, survivors believe that there may have been as many as 750 people on the boat, including about 100 children in the hold.

At least 350 Pakistanis were on board, according to Pakistan’s interior minister Rana Sanaullah, who also noted that “perhaps there has never been such a large toll in any incident before, even in terrorist incidents.”

Syrians and Egyptians are among those thought to be deceased as well.

Nine Egyptian men were charged with negligent manslaughter, endangering life, creating a shipwreck, and people trafficking when they appeared in court in the Greek city of Kalamata on Monday.

All entered not-guilty pleas.

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Greece boat disaster: Officials deny coastguard rope led to migrant tragedy

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Greek officials have denied reports suggesting that a migrant boat capsized off the south coast due to a rope attached by coastguards. Although 78 people have been confirmed dead, including possibly 100 children, the government spokesman clarified that a rope was used by the coastguard to approach the fishing boat a few hours before it sank.

However, there was no attempt to tow or tether the boat for an extended period. The coastguard’s timeline and account have been challenged by an organization that was in contact with people on the fishing boat, claiming that they urgently requested help.

The Greek government denies using a mooring rope, as reported by a Greek newspaper, and maintains that no request for assistance was made by the crew. Survivors and witnesses have given conflicting accounts, with some suggesting that a rope may have caused the boat to capsize. The coastguard spokesperson reiterated that there was no intention to moor the boat.

Nine people have been arrested on suspicion of people trafficking. The tragedy highlights the ongoing issue of migration through Greece, a key entry point to the European Union for refugees and migrants from various regions.

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Tragic Greece Boat Disaster Claims 78 Lives with Hundreds Missing

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A fishing boat incident off the coast of southern Greece has claimed the lives of at least 78 individuals, while over 100 people have been rescued. Survivors’ accounts suggest that the boat may have been overcrowded, with reports indicating that as many as 750 people, including 100 children, were crammed onboard.

Greek authorities have declared it one of the largest migrant tragedies in the country’s history and have declared three days of mourning. Although authorities claim their offers of assistance were declined, they are facing criticism for not doing enough to aid the distressed individuals.

The boat sank in the early hours of Wednesday, approximately 80km (50 miles) southwest of Pylos. Frontex, the EU’s border agency, had spotted the boat on Tuesday afternoon and promptly alerted Greek and Italian authorities. Notably, it has been reported that no life jackets were being worn by those onboard. The timeline provided by the Greek coastguard reveals that initial contact was made at 14:00 on Tuesday, but no distress signal was issued.

The Greek shipping ministry made repeated attempts to communicate with the boat, which stated its intention to sail to Italy. A Maltese-flagged ship provided food and water around 18:00, followed by another vessel supplying water three hours later. Shortly before 02:00 on Wednesday, the boat reported an engine malfunction, and shortly thereafter, it capsized, sinking within 10 to 15 minutes. Strong winds complicated the subsequent search and rescue operation. The boat is believed to have been en route from Libya to Italy, primarily carrying men in their 20s.

Survivors, who were treated for hypothermia and minor injuries, estimated that there were between 500 and 750 people onboard. Regional health director Yiannis Karvelis described the situation as an unprecedented tragedy due to the boat’s excessive overcrowding. One survivor informed a doctor that there were approximately 100 children in the hold. The nationality of the victims has not been disclosed. President Katerina Sakellaropoulou expressed condolences for the lives lost during her visit to rescued survivors.

Each year, numerous individuals lose their lives attempting to cross the Mediterranean, highlighting the dangers of irregular migration. Greece has emphasized the need for a comprehensive EU migration policy to ensure assistance and protection for those truly in need, rather than leaving the fate of vulnerable individuals in the hands of smugglers.

As a primary entry point for refugees and migrants from the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, Greece has faced significant challenges in managing migration flows. In recent times, the Greek government faced criticism for allegedly forcibly expelling migrants at sea. According to UN data, over 70,000 refugees and migrants have arrived in Europe’s frontline countries this year, with Italy receiving the majority.

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Dozens killed as migrant boat capsizes off Greece

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A tragic incident occurred off the southern coast of Greece, resulting in the deaths of at least 59 migrants, while over 100 individuals were rescued after their fishing vessel capsized. This shipwreck marks the deadliest incident of its kind in Greece this year.

The exact number of people on board remains uncertain, but Greek officials and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) suggest that hundreds may have been aboard the vessel. The Greek coastguard spotted the boat in international waters with the help of an aircraft from the EU border agency Frontex. Despite the coastguard’s attempts to provide assistance, the passengers declined help, and none were wearing life jackets.

Shortly afterward, the boat capsized and sank, leading to a search and rescue operation hampered by strong winds. The majority of those on board were reportedly men in their twenties, and the boat was allegedly en route from Libya to Italy. The nationalities of the victims have not been disclosed yet. Survivors have been transported to Kalamata for medical treatment.

Greece serves as a primary entry point into the European Union for refugees and migrants from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. This incident follows international criticism directed at the Greek government for alleged videos showing the forceful expulsion of migrants left adrift at sea. According to UN data, over 70,000 refugees and migrants have arrived in Europe’s frontline countries this year, with the majority reaching Italy.

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Greek election: Centre-right Mitsotakis hails big win but wants majority

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Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the conservative Prime Minister of Greece, has won the national elections with his New Democracy party. The party secured almost 41% of the vote, falling just five seats short of a majority. Mitsotakis hailed the victory as a “political earthquake.” His center-left rival, Alexis Tsipras of the Syriza party, congratulated him, although his own party had a poor result of 20%.

Mitsotakis stated that the election result showed that the Greek people had given his party a mandate for a four-year government. He emphasized that the people wanted a Greece governed by a majority government led by New Democracy without the assistance of other parties.

The initial exit poll indicated the unexpectedly large scale of New Democracy’s victory, and as the results emerged, it became clear that pre-election polls had underestimated the significant margin between the two main parties. New Democracy won 146 seats, just five short of the 151 required for a majority.

Mitsotakis indicated in his victory speech that he would not seek to form a coalition government but would opt for a second election in late June. Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou would offer him a mandate to form a coalition, which he is likely to refuse. If Mitsotakis refuses, the president will pass the mandate to the next two parties, and if that fails, a caretaker government will be arranged until new elections.

The result was a significant setback for Alexis Tsipras, who came to power in 2015 campaigning against international bailouts and austerity measures but ultimately agreed to creditors’ demands. The center-right has governed Greece for the past four years, and Mitsotakis campaigned on the promise of continuing the country’s economic growth.

The outcome of the elections was seen as a positive response from Greeks, who believed that Mitsotakis was the most trustworthy leader to steer the Greek economy forward and build on recent growth.

In the previous elections, winning 41% of the vote would have been enough to secure a majority in Greece’s 300-seat parliament. However, the rules have changed, and now a winning party requires more than 45% to secure a majority due to the elimination of a 50-seat bonus in the first round. This makes a second election more likely.

Mitsotakis will likely aim to secure the extra seats he would be entitled to if he wins the second election, which would provide him with four years in power and the ability to form a cabinet of his choice. If he considers coalition talks, Pasok, the socialist rival of Syriza, would be a potential partner as one of the election’s winners with 11.5% of the vote. However, such talks may be complicated due to a wiretap scandal involving Pasok leader Nikos Androulakis.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis comes from a prominent Greek political family. His father, Konstantinos Mitsotakis, served as prime minister in the early 1990s, his sister Dora Bakoyannis was a foreign minister, and his nephew, Kostas Bakoyannis, is the current mayor of Athens.

A tragic rail accident that occurred in February, resulting in the death of 57 people, did not have an apparent impact on the election result. Opposition parties had highlighted the accident as a symptom of a dysfunctional state that had suffered from years of economic crisis and under-investment.

Initial analysis of voting by Greek TV suggested that among voters aged 17-24, 31.5% supported New Democracy, which was almost three points higher than the support for Syriza. Some first-time voters expressed their desire for something new and different, leading them to vote for Syriza.

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Greek Roma boy shot by police prompts outrage in Greece

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A police officer shot a teenager in the head as he fled a gas station, apparently without paying, and the boy is now fighting for his life in a hospital in Greece. The 16-year-old Roma youngster was shot twice by the cop in Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city.

On Monday, protesters flocked to the streets and doused police with gasoline bombs. The incident has brought attention to the persistent problem of police violence in Greek cities. In a car pursuit outside of Athens last year, an 18-year-old Roma man named Nikos Sampanis was shot and killed, and on December 6, 2008, a 15-year-old child was killed in the nation’s capital during a police night patrol.

Every year, there are significant protests in Athens and other towns in remembrance of Alexis Grigoropoulos’s death in Exarchia’s central district. On Tuesday, thousands of officers were stationed throughout the capital to quell unrest.  The juvenile who carried out the most recent shooting refuelled his car with fuel costing €20 (£17) before driving off. Four cops were in the gas station at the time, according to CCTV published on Tuesday.

Police on motorcycles after the 16-year-old as he fled in his car. He allegedly turned his car at them with the intention of striking them, according to the police. After hearing of his shooting, members of the neighbourhood Roma community demonstrated in front of the Thessaloniki hospital where the youngster underwent surgery to remove the bullet from his skull. Protesters joined friends and relatives at the scene and stones were thrown at police, who responded with stun grenades.

According to local sources, in the west of the city, Roma protesters set fire to tyres and trash cans. The police officer who was shot in court was also charged with attempted homicide and other offences. A video from outside the court that later went viral shows a man who has been identified as the boy’s father being physically assaulted by police. While being flung to the ground, the individual is seen being surrounded by riot cops.

The Council of Europe estimates that there are over 270,000 Roma (Gypsies) in Greece, the majority of whom reside in squalid conditions. The boy’s lawyer told reporters that they did not want him to turn into another Alexis Grigoropoulos as the young man lay in a severe condition at a hospital in Thessaloniki.

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Olympian Sofi’s revelation puts HSF in trouble

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The shocking revelation of Olympic champion Sofie Bekatorou has left Hellenic Sailing Federation in a difficult situation.

Initially, the federation responded insensitively to the allegation made by the Olympic champion, putting pressure over her to name the executive from whom she faced the bad experience, as she showed reluctance to name the executive.

In solidarity with the Olympic champion, several sports personalities have come forward to express their bad experiences with the federation.

The development has shocked the sports department of Greece.

Anyway, the Greece government has welcomed the courage the sports personalities have shown to expose the evil elements which has maligned the federation.

A social media movement, #metisofia, is going viral in several social media platforms. Many have come forward to express their solidarity with the Olympic champion.

A top politician has expressed his disagreement against the lifetime executive system followed by the federation.

A top federation official has stepped down in connection with the development. He has declined to admit any link between his resignation and the latest development in connection with the Olympic champion’s revelation.

Many see the aforesaid social media movement as the sports version of the MeToo movement, which has redrawn the fate of the media and entertainment industry across the world.  

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Pro-Turkey nationalist defeats pro-Greece leader in Northern Cyprus election

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In the Northern Cyprus presidential election, Ersin Tatar, the nationalist leader who shares close relation with Turkey, has defected his opponent, Mustafa Akinci, who is a moderate leader, who stands with the west and works for the reunification of the country.

The nationalist leader has secured not less than 52 per cent of the total votes that were casted during the election.

Mr. Akinci has conceded his defeat in the election.

The victory of the nationalist leader means the region continues to share a cordial relation with its Turkish link.

Cyrus remains unevenly divided since the 1974 coup.

During that period, the country witnessed two events: the Greece backed coup and the Turkey backed military advance.

The incident left the country divided.

At present, a third of the territory of the country, that is Northern Cyprus, is controlled by a system share close ties with Turkey and the rest is controlled by a system share close ties with Greece.

The Greece-backed system is the only one which holds global recognition.

The new development is very crucial in nature. It has derailed the effort to reunify the divided country.

The victory has completely diminished the possibility of the unification.

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Turkey reenters into energy dispute with Greece

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The European country of Turkey has reentered into a serious energy dispute with its European neighbor, Greece.

Turkey has once against sent its research ship to the disputed waters located near Greece.

Earlier, it withdrew the vessel after the presence of the ship had triggered a dispute.

The disputed waters in the Mediterranean situated near Greece and Turkey is claimed by Turkey, Greece and Cyprus.

It was for the task of surveying that the vessel was sent to the disputed waters last time.

At this moment, it remains unclear why the ship has been sent to the disputed territory this time.

It was after the three European countries reached an agreement that the issue was put to rest at least temporarily.

Other western countries like Germany and France is expected to interfere in the issue.

As per the latest statement released by the Turkey government, the ship will remain in the disputed water for at least ten days.

It is learned that the ship has been sent as part of the research program launched by the Navy force of the European country of Turkey.

There are rumors that at least two other ships will be sent along with the said ship this time to support the research activity.

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ECJ pulls up Poland, Hungary and Czech Republic over refugee issue

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The European Court of Justice has pulled up Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic as It has found these countries have failed to respect the EU law as it has not taken in refugees under an agreement reached by the EU leaders to ease the burden faced by Italy and Greece.

The agreement was supposed to benefit 160,000 refugees – especially those from the embattled country of Syria, and was supposed to bring a huge relief to overcrowded camps in Italy and Greece.

Now, the EU Commission is free to impose fines over these countries for the crimes they have committed by disrespecting the EU law.

The court has declined to accept these countries’ argument that the acceptance of refugees would create huge security issues in their country.

So far, the Czech Republic has accepted not more than 12 of the 2,000 refugees it had been asked to take in, while Hungary and Poland have not taken in a single person yet.


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