Syria group files for probe of Greece migrant abuse

A Washington-based Syrian rights group filed a case with International Criminal Court (ICC) on Thursday, calling for an investigation into alleged crimes against humanity by Greece for its alleged mistreatment of refugees. Syria Justice and Accountability Center said witness testimony and video evidence support its claims of mistreatment and abuse of refugees at Greece's borders and inside overcrowded camps.It cites instances of security guards using tear gas to disperse refugee protests, and shabby and unhealthy conditions at sprawling camps.

Mohamm Al-Abdallah, group's executive director, said this was first legal challenge to European Union over its treatment of refugees.

Al-Abdallah said that by resorting to international law, he hoped case would influence debate in individual EU member states.

Since 2015, large numbers of migrants have crammed into small dinghies on dangerous journeys over Mediterranean Sea to escape fighting and persecution, overwhelming European asylum system.Over one million migrants arrived, many of m Syrian refugees, entering Greek islands via Turkey. mistreatment documented since March 2016, Syrian group argues, extends to Greece’s territorial waters where it has alleged that authorities sabotaged migrant boats, leaving m to drift back to sea - even pushing m back into water.

Such “pushback" incidents are considered contrary to international refugee protection agreements, which state that people shouldn’t be expelled or returned to a country where ir life and safety may be in danger.

Prosecutors at ICC will review case before deciding wher to open a full-scale investigation, which would likely take months to complete.