EU Home Affairs Commissioner, Ylva Johansson on Monday called on Greece to investigate media reports of 12 migrants being allegedly abandoned at sea by the Greek coast guard.
Johansson tweeted that she wants the incident “fully and independently investigated” and warned Athens that the European Commission was ready “to take formal steps, as appropriate.”
The New York Times published video footage at the weekend purporting to show the Greek coast guard abandoning a group of migrants, including women and children, on a raft.
The U.S. newspaper reported that the Turkish authorities later rescued the group.
So far the Greek government has not commented on the report.
Human rights groups have long accused Greece of so-called illegal “pushbacks” where migrants or persons seeking asylum are prevented from reaching the shore or are forced back over the European Union’s borders. (dpa/NAN)