Tommy Olsen, founder of Aegean Boat Report, is facing trial in Greece as authorities accuse him of operating an international criminal organization involved in smuggling refugees. Greek officials claim Olsen, who operates from Tromso, Norway, has conspired to facilitate illegal entry of asylum seekers into Greece. Olsen, who will not attend the trial due to Norwegian authorities denying extradition, argues that his actions, which involve alerting Greek and Turkish authorities about distressed vessels, are legal and necessary for humanitarian efforts.
The public prosecutor on the island of Kos has charged Olsen with conspiring to smuggle refugees. Olsen maintains that he is acting within the law by providing information to authorities about asylum seekers. He stated, "When I inform Greek authorities of asylum seekers in their territory... that, supposedly, should be a good thing... But this the Greek authorities see as facilitating."
Olsen faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Human rights organizations view this case as part of a broader effort by Greece to suppress independent monitoring of human rights abuses, particularly regarding illegal pushbacks of asylum seekers, which Greece has been condemned for by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
Maria Gavouneli, head of the Greek National Committee for Human Rights, noted that Aegean Boat Report provides critical evidence for ECHR cases. She stated, "This is not hearsay. This is a signed witness statement that can stand up in court." Evidence from Aegean Boat Report has highlighted improper practices by the Hellenic Coastguard.
The Council of Europe recently expressed concerns that Greece's measures to retrain law enforcement do not adequately address the systematic practice of pushbacks. If Greece fails to ensure access to international protection procedures, it risks suspension of European Union funding.
Olsen's lawyer, Zacharias Kesses, described the charges as judicial harassment aimed at silencing humanitarian organizations. He noted that previous cases against aid groups have resulted in acquittals, but many organizations have been forced to cease operations due to legal pressures.
Despite the lack of convictions for smuggling, the Greek government has enacted laws that cut funding to aid groups if any member is accused of a felony. Minister of Migration Thanos Plevris defended this approach, stating that it prevents the misuse of volunteer access to rejected asylum seekers.
Olsen has faced significant personal and financial challenges due to the legal proceedings, stating that he has incurred substantial legal fees and has lost funding for Aegean Boat Report. He expressed guilt over the impact on his family, stating, "I feel really guilty for putting them through this... I have to take responsibility for the collateral damage around me."
Despite the challenges, Olsen remains committed to his cause, stating, "The more they act up, the more they try to get me, the more I understand that I’m hitting the right nail." He views his work as a defense of human rights and the rule of law, emphasizing its importance for future generations.