Greece accused of illegally deporting Turkish Asylum seekers

The United Nations refugee agency has expressed concern at reports that Turks seeking asylum in Greece have been forcibly returned to their country by Greek authorities.

The UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) said it is “of vital importance” that Greek authorities comprehensively investigate the recent allegations made by the Turks, as well as older complaints involving refugees of other nationalities.

There has been a steady flow of Turks — including military personnel — requesting asylum in Greece since last year’s failed coup in Turkey and subsequent government crackdown. According to media reports, The Hellenic League of Human Rights (HLHR) received a complaint on the 2nd of June, describing the deportation of ten Turkish nationals by Greek border authorities. They are said to have entered Greece through Evros and expressed their wish to apply for international protection in Greece because of persecution in Turkey, however were returned to masked Turkish gunmen. 

Phillippe Leclerc, representative of UNHCR in Greece said that is the allegation of the returns are confirmed the case is “extremely worrying.”

“The right to seek and enjoy asylum is a fundamental human right,” he added.

The Greek government denies the allegations, as did previous administrations when presented with several complaints that Greek authorities illegally sent back refugees to Turkey during Europe’s immigration crisis.

Over 200 Turks, including families with young children, have fled to Greece seeking asylum since the failed July 2016 coup, which was followed by a crackdown on tens of thousands of people accused of anti-government activity.

HLHR are said to be gathering evidence and investigating the claims.