The Greek Shipwreck: A Familiar Pattern of Blame and Borders
CASE A: The 'Accidental' Collision in the Aegean Sea CBS News, like many mainstream outlets, frames the incident as a tragic 'collision,' emphasizing the death toll and search operations for 'potentially missing passengers.' The language used suggests an unforeseen calamity, an unfortunate consequence of maritime traffic. The report notes, 'Local reports indicate the migrant boat may have been a
speedboat involved in human smuggling.' This speculative phrasing subtly shifts potential culpability from the state actor (the coast guard) to the victims or those assisting them. CASE B: The Consistent Policy of Deterrence and Pushbacks Records show Greece, often with tacit EU support, has for years engaged in aggressive tactics against migrant boats, including documented 'pushbacks' – forcing
vessels back into international waters, often dangerously. The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) has faced repeated accusations of complicity in these actions (Human Rights Watch, 2021). In 2020, Greece, under intense pressure from increasing arrivals, openly described its strategy as 'deterrence' and 'maximum security' at its borders, a policy praised by some EU leaders as a
necessary defense against 'illegal' migration. This approach inherently creates high-risk scenarios. A similar tragic event unfolded in February 2023, when a fishing trawler carrying hundreds of migrants capsized off the coast of Greece, killing at least 80, with hundreds more missing. Subsequent investigations suggested Greek authorities were aware of the vessel's distress but failed to intervene