"We extend our condolences to the families of the seven people from Afghanistan who drowned at sea off the coast of Lesvos. They are victims of the same racist policy of closed borders – the 'Fortress Europe' approach backed by the EU and Greece’s ruling New Democracy government. The appointment of T. Kontizas as head of the Hellenic Coast Guard, despite the Ombudsman’s report calling for his prosecution over the deadly Pylos shipwreck, shows just how far the authorities are willing to go to cover up crimes. It’s a move that effectively gave border officials the green light to intensify their already brutal methods in the Aegean," declared the United Movement Against Racism and the Fascist Threat (KEERFA).

KEERFA’s statement:

“Back in December 2024, in Rhodes, a Coast Guard vessel ran over a boat carrying refugees, brutally dismembering and killing those on board. Now, in another case off Lesvos, a boat reportedly lost its wooden floor during a Coast Guard operation – allegedly caused by the use of long poles, a method seen in previous similar incidents.

These are the few details that have managed to slip through the wall of silence enforced by the Greek Coast Guard, which has barred journalists from any contact with the survivors.

At the same time, around thirty EU ambassadors and local officials observed a minute’s silence for the victims – a gesture that rang hollow, as they soon returned to enjoying a lavish food and wine event, complete with music and cheerful conversation, seemingly untouched by the tragedy nearby.

Meanwhile, the Coast Guard waited several hours before reporting the incident. Survivors were hastily transferred to the Reception and Identification Centre instead of the public hospital, where proper medical care is available. Some received barely any medical attention, and no psychological support at all – even though the trauma was severe. One man, who lost his wife and child and is still searching for another, was the one authorities chose to accuse of people smuggling.

Some survivors have suffered burns caused by leaking engine fuel inside the boat – the circumstances of which remain unclear.

We demand that the Lesvos Labour Centre and the Medical Union be granted immediate access to the survivors. They urgently need hospital care and mental health support.

We refuse to let the same government that covered up the deadly disasters in Tempe and Pylos hide the truth once again. These deaths are the result of increasingly aggressive and racist border control policies. Politicians like Voridis, Kikilias, and Chrysochoidis are orchestrating ever more brutal and deadly crackdowns on refugees and migrants.

We will not stay silent. We will stand with the persecuted and displaced.

We call for a protest at the Naval Court in Piraeus (Naftodikeio Pirea) on Tuesday 15 April at 6:00 PM, in Korai Square, and for participation in the nationwide assembly on Sunday 13 April at 6:00 PM at Romantso.

Let’s put an end to racist killings at the borders!

KEERFA – United Movement Against Racism and the Fascist Threat”

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