On Monday (28/1/2026), B.S. stood trial in Patras during his appeal hearing.

He left Iran to save his life and the life of his wife. During their journey, he had to steer a boat from Turkey to Greece. Together with them, many other people were on the boat to seek asylum in Europe. Upon arrival in August 2024, B.S. was wrongfully arrested, charged with “smuggling,” and in May 2025 sentenced to 142 years in prison.

During the appeal hearing, B.S. and his lawyer, Spiridon Pantazis (Athens), were able to present his story: He steered the boat because he was fleeing persecution and because there was no medical treatment available for his wife’s cancer, and because he had been promised that if he helped to steer, his wife would be allowed to stay in the upper part of the ship so she could breathe better due to her health condition.

However, the court did not acquit him. Instead, it sentenced him to the minimum possible penalty for the so-called crime of aiding and abetting “unauthorized entry of third country nationals” (smuggling). Due to Greece’s brutal laws, this still means a sentence of 10 years. (He can apply for parole after serving approximately three years in prison)  

B.S. came to Europe to seek safety for him and his wife, to have her cured and go on with their life together. What he found is instead prison and many more years apart.

This injustice must end!

Stopp the criminalization of people on the move!

#NoDriverNoSurvivor