Seán Binder on trial in Greece on smuggling charges along with 23 other migrant rescue volunteers

Sean Binder, left, speaks to his mother before his trial (Panagiotis Balaskas/AP)

A group of 24 volunteers, including Seán Binder a German citizen who grew up between Cork and Kerry, who took part in migrant rescue operations have gone on trial on the Greek island of Lesbos on smuggling-related charges in a case that has been strongly criticised by human rights groups.

The Greek and international volunteers also include the Syrian-born competitive swimmer Sara Mardini, whose sister Ysra Mardini was part of the refugee swimming team at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and Tokyo earlier this year.