Humanitarian Sean Binder’s fight for justice

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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