Sean Binder from Castlegregory, Co Kerry, was an idealistic 24 year old with a law degree, a scuba diving qualification and some time to spare when he decided to spend a year helping the Greek Coastguard to rescue refugees from drowning off the island of Lesvos.
Eight years later, he and 23 other volunteers have finally been acquitted of serious criminal charges including people smuggling, belonging to a criminal organisation, and espionage. Thousands of refugees are still attempting the dangerous journey from North Africa and the Middle East to reach Europe by sea – but since charges were brought against the volunteers, fewer rescues are taking place, and evidence is mounting that Greek security forces are pushing back boats to Libyan or Turkish waters, contrary to international law.
Irish Examiner reporter Liz Dunphy has been covering the case in Lesvos and is today’s guest on the podcast.
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