The European Union’s executive has called for an inquiry into illegal migrant pushbacks after a report by German media outlets Der Spiegel and ARD documented what they said were Greek and Croatian officials carrying out such operations.
The report said Greek and Croatian special forces sometimes hid their identification during such operations.
The report said it had video footage of 11 pushbacks by Croatian police into Bosnia and also evidence including footage of the Greek coast guard forcing migrants back into the Aegean Sea.
GCT has not independently verified the allegations.
He added that Croatian border police acted in line with the law and did not tolerate any abuse of authority.
The Greek migration ministry said it would put out a press statement soon on the matter.
Under international humanitarian law, people have a right to claim asylum and it is forbidden to send potential asylum seekers back to where their lives or well-being might be in danger.
