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Humanitarian Aid on Trial in Greece

  File photo: Migrants from Afghanistan is towed by rescuers of the Refugee Rescue NGO, on the island of Lesbos, Greece. Twenty-four humanitarian aid workers have gone on trial in Greece, facing felony charges of migrant smuggling, money laundering, and membership in a criminal organization . The case, unfolding on the island of Lesbos, targets former volunteers of the now-defunct NGO Emergency Response Centre International (ERCI) , which operated search-and-rescue missions between 2016 and 2018. Among the defendants are Sarah Mardini , a Syrian refugee and professional swimmer whose story inspired the Netflix film The Swimmers , and Seán Binder , a German-Irish rescue diver. Both were arrested in 2018 for their involvement in helping migrants and refugees arriving by sea from Turkey. If convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years in prison . Greek prosecutors allege that the group facilitated illegal entry into the country by monitoring coastguard communications and relaying ...

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Ship Loaded with Aid Returns to Cyprus Port After Tragic Loss of Charity Workers in Gaza Strip

 

In a poignant turn of events, a ship belonging to the Open Arms aid group has made its way back to the Cypriot port of Larnaca. Laden with canned food destined for Gaza, this vessel’s journey bears the weight of recent tragedy.

Cyprus, which has played a pivotal role in establishing the maritime corridor, witnessed the arrival of three aid ships on Monday. These vessels carried a precious cargo of 240 tons of undelivered aid. Their mission was to alleviate the suffering in the Gaza Strip, where hunger and hardship have reached critical levels.

The urgency of this mission was underscored by the devastating loss of seven aid workers in Israeli strikes within the Gaza Strip. These dedicated individuals, part of the World Central Kitchen (WCK), were on the front lines, striving to bring relief to those in need. Their tragic deaths serve as a stark reminder of the immense challenges faced by humanitarian workers in conflict zones.

As the ship docks in Cyprus, it carries not only supplies but also a message of resilience and compassion. Despite the risks, aid organizations continue to navigate treacherous waters to support vulnerable communities. The return of this vessel symbolizes unwavering commitment and solidarity.

While grief hangs heavy, hope persists. The aid ships, now retracing their path, represent a collective determination to make a difference. As the world watches, we honor the fallen aid workers and renew our resolve to stand by those caught in the crossfire.


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