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Greek Court Acquits Aid Workers, Upholds Humanitarian Efforts

1/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A Greek court acquitted 24 aid workers, including Sara Mardini and Sean Binder, of human trafficking after seven years.
The ruling was a victory for humanitarian work, and Mardini said, "Saving lives is not a crime."
Prosecutors claimed the group facilitated illegal migration, despite Greek law exempting aid to asylum seekers.
Rights groups warned the charges distorted humanitarian work and caused a chilling effect on Aegean rescues.

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Story summary

A Greek court acquitted 24 aid workers, including Sara Mardini and Sean Binder, of human trafficking after seven years.
The ruling was a victory for humanitarian work, and Mardini said, "Saving lives is not a crime."
Prosecutors claimed the group facilitated illegal migration, despite Greek law exempting aid to asylum seekers.
Rights groups warned the charges distorted humanitarian work and caused a chilling effect on Aegean rescues.