Syria rights group files case against Greece in ICC demanding probe of migrant abuse

A Syrian human rights group has filed a case against Greece in International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing Balkan nation of mistreating refugees. According to Associated Press, Syria Justice and Accountability Center, which is a US-based rights group, has appealed to ICC to investigate mistreatment and abuse of refugees, mostly Syrians, at overcrowded camps in Greece. group claims that Greek authorities have been mistreating migrants at refugee camps, which can be backed by witness testimony and video evidence.  

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According to reports, case was filed in International Criminal Court on Thursday, which will be now reviewed by prosecutors, who will decide wher to open a full-scale investigation into matter. It may take months, if not years, for preliminary investigation to begin if ICC decides to look into case based on available evidence and testimony. 

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Syrian group has alleged that Greek authorities have housed refugees at unhealthy and miserable camps, where y have also faced police action, including use of tear gas, on multiple occasions over protests. Greek authorities have garnered a lot of flak earlier as well over poor and unhygienic conditions at refugee camps in country, which house thousands of migrants, mostly Syrians, from conflict zones. 

Thousands clashed with police last year as y tried to get into mainland after fires destroyed refugee camps in Greece. Police fired tear gas to control crowd who were throwing stones and bricks at barrices in anger.  

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'Will set a good precedent' 

Mohamm Al-Abdallah, SJAC's executive director, has said that if ICC decides to open an investigation into case, it will set a good precedent for rest of  world, sending a message that international laws should be respected no matter individual policies of member state.

Al-Abdallah said that it is first-ever legal challenge to European Union over its treatment of refugees. group, in its case, has claimed that personnel from Frontex, EU agency which monitors and polices migrant movements across region, have been complicit in mistreatment of refugees. group says that it has video evidence to back its claim.  

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(Image Credit: AP)