Criminalising Humanitarianism: Solidarity vs Security in the „Migration Crisis“

A Event with Seán Binder

Date: 09. December.2025
Time: 18:30 -20.00 Uhr
Location: The event will take place online. Participants will receive the access data for the video conference by email prior to the event.

Desciption:

The guest speaker is one of the 24 defendants in one of the largest cases of the criminalisation of humanitarian action in Europe. After over seven years since his initial arrest, the felony trial against him is finally set to begin on 4 December 2025 on Lesvos, Greece. He faces 20 years’ imprisonment if found guilty of the charges. In his presentation, he will speak about his search and rescue work in the context of the so-called migration crisis as well as the underlying policies that brought about his arrest and pre-trial detention. Prosecutions like this have made humanitarian activity more difficult and, therefore, made European borders more deadly. This talk is a cautionary tale at a time when the rule of law is eroding and human rights are being violated.

The event will be in English.

BIO:

Seán Binder is a criminal lawyer. In 2017/18, he was a search and rescue volunteer in Greece. He was arrested for his humanitarian work and spent 106 days in pre-trial detention. The charges against him include facilitation of illegal entry, money laundering, and being part of a criminal organisation. In December, he faces trial and a possible 20-year sentence. The Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights has warned that “trials like this are deeply concerning because they criminalize life-saving work and set a dangerous precedent.”

Participation Fee:

The event is for free.

Contact:

If you have any questions feel free to write us. E-Mail:

Registration:

Please register here for the Zoom meeting.

Tipp:

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