The Deirdre O'Shaughnessy Podcast: The Sean Binder case and Europe’s migrant crisis

The acquittal of a Kerry volunteer raises fresh questions about criminalising humanitarian rescue efforts in the Mediterranean migration crisis

Kerry volunteer Sean Binder is acquitted after eight years, spotlighting the risks faced by refugee rescuers in Greece.

Sean Binder from Castlegregory, Co Kerry, was an idealistic 24-year-old with a law degree, a scuba diving qualification and time to spare when he decided to spend a year helping the Greek Coastguard rescue refugees from drowning off the island of Lesvos.

Eight years later, he and 23 other volunteers have been acquitted of serious criminal charges, including people smuggling, membership of a criminal organisation and espionage.

Thousands of refugees continue to attempt the dangerous journey from North Africa and the Middle East to reach Europe by sea. 

However, since charges were brought against the volunteers, rescue operations have declined, and evidence is mounting that Greek security forces are pushing boats back to Libyan or Turkish waters, in breach of international law.

Irish Examiner reporter Liz Dunphy has been covering the case in Lesvos and is today’s guest on the Deirdre O'Shaughnessy Podcast.