Greece’s Ministry of Citizen Protection stated that the country’s border protection is carried out within the framework of international, European Union, and national law, with full respect for fundamental rights and human dignity, responding to a report by the BBC.
The report alleged that mercenaries, acting under police orders, pushed back refugees and migrants at Greece’s land borders towards Turkey.
Ministry sources noted that the published allegations relate to claims concerning incidents that took place during the caretaker government in 2023.
Greek authorities have repeatedly addressed similar claims in recent years with clarity and documentation, the same sources said. They added that such reports and publications are largely based on testimonies and secondary evidence that cannot be independently verified, while their assessment often relies on the convergence of complaints rather than concrete proof.
However, the Ministry stressed that all such allegations are taken seriously, evaluated, and investigated promptly through institutional procedures, in accordance with the existing legal framework and oversight mechanisms operating at both national and European levels.
Ministry officials concluded that managing migration flows remains a complex challenge, particularly in areas under increased pressure such as the external borders of the European Union. Greece, they stated, continues to meet this responsibility consistently while ensuring compliance with legality and its international obligations.
They added that the competent authorities remain available to cooperate with any institutional body, providing data and support to ensure transparency and an objective assessment of the facts.
