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ALTERNATIVE LEGAL SUPPORT FOR CRIMINALISED PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
People on the move are often arrested and imprisoned for driving boats bringing people to Europe. They are accused of human smuggling, often without access to adequate legal assistance, information about their basic rights, or any form of support. The ‘Captain Support’ Network is a platform in solidarity with those accused of driving the boats to Europe, and to connect them to local support networks and lawyers. You can reach out for support by sending us a private message. Activists and volunteers will reply by providing helpful information and connecting people to lawyers and social support if needed.
❗️If you or a friend or a family member has been arrested on the charges of “facilitating illegal immigration”, contact the Captain Support network via Facebook and Instagram to ask for adequate legal assistance and support.
Campaigns
Free Pylos 9
Nine Egyptian survivors were arrested and charged with smuggling, aggravated by the deaths of passengers, causing a shipwreck, irregular entry, and forming and membership of a criminal organization.
Free El Hiblu 3
In Malta, three African teenagers stand accused of terrorism.
Free Homayoun
Homayoun Sabetara, a migrant fleeing Iran, was arrested by Greek authorities in Thessaloniki after having driven a vehicle across the Turkish-Greek border.
Decriminalize Facilitation
The Kinsa case marks a breakthrough in the fight against the criminalisation of the facilitation of freedom of movement.
Regions
Update and News
- Historic ruling: 10 asylum seekers accused of “smuggling” declared innocentOn June 12, 16, and 18, lawyers from the Human Rights Legal Project (HRLP) Samos represented 16 asylum seekers who were facing charges of smuggling and long prison sentences. The charges were based solely on the allegation that they had steered the boat that brought them—and other refugees—to Greece. In a series of landmark rulings,… Read more: Historic ruling: 10 asylum seekers accused of “smuggling” declared innocent
- A strong legal defense makes a differenceUntil everyone is free – Examples of victories One year ago, the so-called “Pylos9” were acquitted by the Greek court in Kalamata:In the early morning of June 14, 2023, the overcrowded fishing boat Adriana sank in international waters about 50 miles from the port of Pylos, Greece, carrying 750 people. Many of the only… Read more: A strong legal defense makes a difference
- Teenagers from Sudan sentenced to 10 instead of 300 yearsOn April 30, 2025, the trial of two teenagers (Ariad and Chatiem) took place in Chania, Greece. They were accused of facilitating the illegal entry (“smuggling”) of 70 and 17 people, respectively. They faced decades in prison—sentences that had already been handed down to other Sudanese teenagers. Although, unfortunately, an acquittal could not be achieved,… Read more: Teenagers from Sudan sentenced to 10 instead of 300 years
Support Captain Support!
Donate to our fund and provide legal assistance to criminalized people on the move across the EU!
Use our fundraising link:
https://whydonate.com/en/fundraising/captain-support-fund-
or donate direct to our bank account:
Name: Support Captain Support
IBAN: CH62 0900 0000 1626 2806 6
Bank: PostFinance