Greece Accused of Using Migrants to Push Back Migrants

A BBC investigation alleges Greek police recruited migrants to forcibly return other migrants across the border into Turkey. The report claims these individuals, described as "mercenaries," were used in illegal pushback operations. Witnesses accuse the recruited groups of severe abuse and sexual violence during these incidents. Greece has repeatedly denied systematic pushbacks. The government states it protects its borders in accordance with international law. Pushbacks are the forced return of people across an international border without an assessment of their right to asylum. This practice is illegal under European and international law.