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
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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
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Update and News
- 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
- The criminalisation of boat drivers in Spain and Canary Islands/ La criminalización de los patrones de embarcación en el estado español y Canarias(Spanish below) The criminalisation of migrants accused of having steered boats or vehicles during unauthorised border crossings is a common phenomenon in the European Union. In Spain, ‘facilitating irregular migration’ is considered a crime and is covered by Article 318bis of the Spanish Penal Code. As in other European countries, the main persons charged and… Read more: The criminalisation of boat drivers in Spain and Canary Islands/ La criminalización de los patrones de embarcación en el estado español y Canarias
- Good news from Syros: justified acquittal for A.S.How good legal defense can make a difference On Monday 10th of March 2025, HRLP lawyers defended a Syrian asylum seeker facing up to 160 years in prison for the illegal transfer of 16 asylum seekers, before the Syros First Instance Court. Due to reasonable doubt for his guilt, the Court declared the defendant innocent.… Read more: Good news from Syros: justified acquittal for A.S.
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