Addressing Discrepancies: Demanding a Human Rights-Compliant Inquiry into Greece’s Pylos Shipwreck

Greece: Disparities in Accounts of Pylos Shipwreck Underscore the Need for Human Rights Compliant Inquiry

Evidence of Towing Raises Concerns

The recent Pylos shipwreck off the coast of Greece, which claimed the lives of over 600 people, has sparked a debate regarding the circumstances surrounding the disaster. Starkly divergent accounts from survivors and Greek authorities have raised serious concerns and underscore the urgent need for an effective, independent, and impartial investigation. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have called for such an inquiry to shed light on the truth and ensure justice for the victims and their families.

The Claims

According to accounts from several survivors, the fishing vessel named Adriana was towed by a Greek coast guard boat, leading to the fatal capsize. However, the Greek authorities have strongly denied these claims. The disparities between the survivors’ version of events and the official narrative are troubling and warrant a transparent investigation.

Objective Inquiry is Vital

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch stress the importance of a human rights compliant investigation, conducted in line with international standards of impartiality, independence, and effectiveness. To ensure the credibility of the judicial investigations, it is crucial that they be under the supervision of the Supreme Court Prosecutor’s Office. Additionally, the Greek authorities should cooperate fully with the Greek Ombudsman’s Office, providing them with the necessary resources to carry out their functions as the National Mechanism for Investigating Incidents of Arbitrariness.

Confiscation of Phones and Accountability

Survivors have reported that their phones were confiscated by the authorities following the shipwreck, but they were given no documentation or guidance on how to retrieve their property. This raises concerns about the handling of evidence and the violation of survivors’ rights. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch stress that all evidence, including traces of communications, videos, and photographs, should be collected, assessed, and safeguarded to facilitate accountability processes. The Greek authorities must ensure that any property taken from survivors is properly logged and returned within a reasonable timeframe.

Lessons Learned and International Assistance

Lessons should be learned from past incidents, such as the 2014 “Farmakonisi” shipwreck, where the European Court of Human Rights condemned Greece for its failures in handling rescue operations and shortcomings in the subsequent investigation. In light of the seriousness and international significance of the Pylos tragedy, Greek authorities should welcome international and European assistance and cooperation in the conduct of national investigations.

A Call for Justice

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch insist that a full and credible investigation into the shipwreck should seek to clarify any responsibility for both the sinking of the ship and any delays or shortcomings in the rescue efforts that may have contributed to the loss of life. The testimonies of all survivors should be taken under conditions that guarantee their trust and safety. It is also crucial for all those involved in the incident to cooperate fully and promptly with the investigations.

Conclusion

The Pylos shipwreck serves as a tragic reminder of the urgent need for a comprehensive and human rights compliant inquiry. The discrepancies in accounts between survivors and Greek authorities demand transparency and truth. By conducting an independent investigation in line with international standards, Greece can ensure justice for the victims and their families and prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.

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