“The Commissioner, who liaises closely with the Ombudsman, notes his important findings and encourages the authorities to take resolute action to ensure appropriate criminal and disciplinary accountability,” said Michael O’Flaherty’s office in a report on Tuesday. During his visit to Greece last week, O’Flaherty met with five government ministers and Cabinet officials as well as shipwreck survivors, their lawyers and advocacy groups. 

It is important to note that the Ombudsman’s press release specifically states that:

“The Independent Authority’s report provides clear indications implicating eight (8) high-ranking officers of the Hellenic Coast Guard. They were aware of the dangers threatening the lives, health, and safety of the migrants aboard the Adriana fishing vessel, yet failing to take action to prevent them. They are considered responsible for exposing the migrants to mortal danger, as well as to risks threatening the lives, health, and physical integrity of the passengers, in violation of Article 306 of the Penal Code.”

However, in an unprecedented attack—and by politically intervening in an ongoing investigation—the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy issued an official statement in response to the Greek Ombudsman findings regarding the Pylos shipwreck. The Ministry spoke of “arbitrary conclusions that risk prejudging the judicial review” and a report “without any reliable supporting evidence.” It also stressed that “the findings are objectively trying to shift the discussion away from the criminal smuggling networks and toward the officers of the Greek Coast Guard.”

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