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Join us in London on 27 January 2026 to hear from Seán Binder and other activists at the forefront of the fight against the criminalisation of migration and solidarity. Seán will be speaking about his trial in Greece this month, alongside two other activists (names and organisations tbc).
In August 2018, Seán Binder and five other humanitarian workers were arrested and held for over 100 days in pre-trial detention in Greece. Seán, an Irish activist, had travelled to Lesvos, Greece, to volunteer with a local search and rescue NGO, which patrolled the coastline looking for boats in distress, and provided first aid to those who had crossed from Turkey.
Eight years later, Seán and 23 fellow humanitarians finally went to trial, facing charges of human smuggling, money laundering, and being part of a criminal organisation. The case depended on deeply flawed logic, mischaracterising saving lives at sea as 'migrant smuggling', and fundraising for a legitimate humanitarian organisation as 'money laundering'. After court was adjourned in December, the felony trial returned to court in Lesvos on 15 January – where Seán and his fellow defendants were finally acquitted.
Across Europe and globally, governments have increasingly sought to crack down on people crossing borders, and those who support them. Among those prosecuted are people in search of asylum, fleeing war and persecution. As states increasingly heed the call from the far-right to crackdown on immigration, ordinary people – whether those on the move or those working in solidarity – face decades behind bars.
The speakers at this event will offer an insight into some of these cases, with around an hour for the panel discussion, and half an hour for a Q&A at the end. The event will be moderated by Dr Hallam Tuck, Lecturer in Criminology at City St George's. The event is supported by City St George's and Border Criminologies, University of Oxford.
This hybrid event will be held at City St George's, University of London, with limited space for in person attendance. Room details will be sent out following event registration.
We look forward to welcoming you there!
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