'They sacrifice so much to get here. And no one wants to be here.' 

As Greece’s court of appeal acquits Sean Binder and 23 other activists of migrant trafficking charges, Liz Dunphy visits Lesvos’ refugee community centre

Pieter Wittenberg, Sean Binder, Nasos Karaitsos, and Sarah Mardini exit the courthouse in Mytilene on January 15 after bring acquitted of migrant trafficking. Picture: Manolis Lagoutaris/Getty

Warships flank the elegant harbour in Mytilene on the Greek island of Lesvos, their matte grey bulk and large guns striking a discordant note against the softer rhythm of surrounding island life.

Cats laze by small blue boats docked nearby as fishermen clear their nets and chat to old men snapping prayer beads at port-side cafes in the morning sun.