Here’s our story —
The Free Humanitarians campaign began in August 2018, after humanitarian workers Seán Binder, Nassos Karakitsos and four others were placed in pre-trial detention in Greece for over 100 days. During their detention, they were held in small cells together with convicted criminals.
In response, former colleagues, friends and family rallied in support for their release and acquittal. Seven years later, that initial effort has evolved into a global movement of solidarity to their ongoing legal proceedings.
The campaign has received support from Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, 89 Members of the 2020-2024 European Parliament, as well as Greek international legal trial observers. It has also drawn significant global media attention, including covering in The New York Times, The Guardian, Der Spiegel, CNN, BBC, VICE and Le Monde.
Today, the Free Humanitarians campaign speaks up against the wider criminalisation of humanitarian work, challenges harmful EU policies on search and rescue and asylum, and advocates the principles of international maritime law, human rights law, and EU obligations, to save lives and protect the right to seek asylum.
Our journey since 2018
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On 9 February 2018, Sara Mardini and Seán Binder were arrested in Greece by Mytilene police but released after 48 hours, pending further investigation.
On 9 August 2018, they were arrested again and this time detained in pre-trial detention. There are 24 defendants in total.
On 5 December 2018, Sara, Seán, Nassos Karakitsos and the two others held in detention were released on bail.
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In 2019 the Investigator closed the case file and sent it to the Judicial Council for a decision on whether a trial should proceed.
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In August 2021, a trial date of 18 November 2021 was set for the alleged misdemeanours of the 24 Defendants. This hearing did not proceed due to the need for the matter to be heard by a different court.
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At the adjourned trial on 11 January 2023, all misdemeanour charges were dismissed by the court in Lesvos following a request by the prosecutor. A different prosecutor (not the prosecutor who attended the hearing on 18 November 2021 or 11 January 2023) appealed against the dismissal of the charges to the Supreme Court on the basis that the lower court had erred in law in dismissing the charges. That appeal was heard on 16 May 2023.
In early September 2023, the Supreme Court confirmed the misdemeanour charges against Sara and Seán were dismissed (all four charges, Forgery, Infringement of state secrets, Espionage, Possession of a radio without a licence).
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In January 2024, the other defendants were again tried for the same misdemeanours. They were acquitted of all charges.
Join Free Humanitarians in standing up for international law, human rights, and the defence of humanitarian aid. Support us by contributing to our legal fees.