Greek government accused of deporting Turks seeking asylum

A little later, according to two human rights organizations, the journalist, Murat Capan, was still in police custody — but back in Turkey, having been forced to return at gunpoint.

The Greek government continues to deny that it had pariticipated in any such dealings, as accused by the Hellenic League for Human Rights and the International Federation for Human Rights, which say that twice in the last few weeks, on May 24 and June 2, Turks fleeing persecution have been shipped back to their country.

The Hellenic League documented a total of 17 forcible deportations, or pushbacks, including those of seven children.

The pushbacks followed a pattern, according to the league. The Greek police drove the asylum seekers in a van to a meeting point where they were handed over to masked armed men. These men then forced the refugees onto a boat that was sent across the Evros River to Turkey.

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said on Thursday that it was “deeply concerned” about the allegations.

Similar episodes have long been reported along the border but were not thought to have systematically singled out Turks.

According to figures the Greek government issued on Thursday, more than 200 Turks have been allowed to seek asylum in Greece after crossing the Evros since the start of the year.

“We cannot deport people seeking haven back to a place where they face inhuman conditions and quite possibly torture,” Kleio Papapantoleon, the head of the Hellenic League, told New Greek TV.

Asked about the reports, a Greek government spokesman said on Thursday that “no refoulement has ever been either executed or authorized by the Greek authorities.” He added, “Any allegations implying something different are always investigated.”

with material from NYT