Greek border guards and Frontex officers on Saturday morning located no less than 92 third country nationals, all men, stripped naked and reportedly forced to cross the Evros River into Greek territory by Turkish police aboard three inflatable craft.

The incident marks the latest instance of alleged Turkish involvement in migrant smuggling on both Greece’s land and sea borders, with Athens vociferously charging that Ankara alternately ignores criminal networks operating on its territory or actually facilitates the process – vilified as “instrumentalization” or “weaponization” of illegal migration.

The group was located in the Ferres region of northern Evros prefecture, in extreme northeast Greece.

According to Greek officials, initial testimony by the illegal migrants claimed they were transported to the eastern bank of the Evros (Maritsa) River in three vehicles by Turkish authorities, and then forced to remove all their clothing and get into the boats.

In an urgent announcement by Greece’s citizens protection ministry after the incident was revealed, the latter stated that “…Turkey continues to bluntly exploit migrants, violate human rights and international law … Minister Takis Theodorikakos yesterday (Friday) condemned Turkey’s behavior at the council of EU interior and public order ministers in Luxembourg, while also briefing the relevant European Commissioner over daily provocations, and presenting audio-visual evidence. While Greece effectively protects its borders, showing respect for human life, Turkey continues to ignore, not only international law, but fundamental human behavior.”

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