Pádraig Rice (Cork South-Central, Social Democrats)

The trial of Kerry man Seán Binder begins today in Greece. As perverse as it sounds, Seán is going on trial for saving people's lives. In 2017, while volunteering with a search and rescue organisation in Greece, Seán saw rubber boats in distress off the coast of Lesbos. Instead of watching people drown, he and other volunteers rushed into the water to help. Thanks to their swift and courageous actions, lives were saved. Instead of receiving a bravery award from the Greek Government, Seán ended up in jail. Serious charges, including people smuggling and membership of a criminal organisation, have been pending since then. This trial is a travesty of justice. Amnesty has said that it is not just Seán who is on trial; humanity and solidarity are in the dock with him. If Seán is convicted, what kind of message will that send? Is it that migrant lives are so worthless that they should not be saved from drowning? Is it that if one does not stand back and watch them die, one will end up with 20 years in prison? Is the Tánaiste concerned about this case? Has he raised his concerns with the Greek Government? What support is the Irish Government providing to Seán?

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