A Greek court has acquitted all 24 volunteers and humanitarian workers of the ERCI organization in Lesvos, bringing an end to a legal saga that lasted seven years. The volunteers, both Greek and foreign nationals, had been accused of serious crimes including forming a criminal organization, facilitating illegal entry of third-country nationals, and laundering proceeds from criminal activity.
The trial, conducted by the North Aegean Criminal Court of Appeals, focused on actions carried out during the height of the refugee crisis between 2015 and 2018. ERCI volunteers, including well-known rescue workers such as Sarah Mardini, Sean Binder, and Nasos Karakitsos, had been providing humanitarian aid to people arriving on the island.
According to the court, no evidence emerged linking the volunteers to illegal activities at sea, nor to communicating with incoming migrants prior to their arrival. Instead, the defendants were found to have acted solely to provide assistance once boats reached the coast, often in coordination with Greek authorities.
Financial evidence also played a crucial role in the verdict. The court determined that there was no causal link between ERCI’s donations and any unlawful activity.
The ruling has been welcomed as a vindication of the volunteers’ work and commitment to humanitarian aid. In a symbolic moment of relief and celebration, the rescuers were seen jumping into the cold waters off Lesbos following their acquittal.
