On 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, our lawyer Spiros Panatzis was able to negotiate a deal with the prosecution. Ariad and Chatiem pleaded “guilty” to having steered the boat to reach Europe. In return, the court sentenced them to “only” 10 years “ fylakisi”, which means that a release after about three years is possible.

Given the harsh and punitive legal framework in Greece, this outcome must be considered a “success.” Without a strong legal defense, Ariad and Chatiem would certainly have received much longer (kathirxi) sentences, like the other men.

Despite the relief, this is no cause for celebration. Ariad and Chatiem will now spend years in prison, under harsh conditions and in great despair about their families in the civil war in Sudan. This is a cause for outrage at a legal system that imposes long prison sentences on people who have done nothing more than seek protection in Europe.