Border Violence Monitoring Network
@borderviolence.bsky.social
Network of grassroots organizations documenting illegal pushbacks & police violence by EU member state authorities in the Western Balkans and Greece.
Today, along with 200+ organisations, we call on @europarl.europa.eu to reject the proposal for a new Returns Regulation.
Let's call this this new Regulation for what it actually is: a Deportation Regulation.
@melissacamara.bsky.social @estrellagalan.bsky.social @muriellelaurent.bsky.social
Let's call this this new Regulation for what it actually is: a Deportation Regulation.
@melissacamara.bsky.social @estrellagalan.bsky.social @muriellelaurent.bsky.social
September 15, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Today, along with 200+ organisations, we call on @europarl.europa.eu to reject the proposal for a new Returns Regulation.
Let's call this this new Regulation for what it actually is: a Deportation Regulation.
@melissacamara.bsky.social @estrellagalan.bsky.social @muriellelaurent.bsky.social
Let's call this this new Regulation for what it actually is: a Deportation Regulation.
@melissacamara.bsky.social @estrellagalan.bsky.social @muriellelaurent.bsky.social
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BVMN monitored the trials of people on the move accused of so-called smuggling at the Appeals Court in Heraklion, in Crete.
All 4 Sudanese defendants were acquitted, but unequal sentencing to other nationals jeopardises the principle of equality before the law.
BVMN monitored the trials of people on the move accused of so-called smuggling at the Appeals Court in Heraklion, in Crete.
All 4 Sudanese defendants were acquitted, but unequal sentencing to other nationals jeopardises the principle of equality before the law.
September 5, 2025 at 12:45 PM
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BVMN monitored the trials of people on the move accused of so-called smuggling at the Appeals Court in Heraklion, in Crete.
All 4 Sudanese defendants were acquitted, but unequal sentencing to other nationals jeopardises the principle of equality before the law.
BVMN monitored the trials of people on the move accused of so-called smuggling at the Appeals Court in Heraklion, in Crete.
All 4 Sudanese defendants were acquitted, but unequal sentencing to other nationals jeopardises the principle of equality before the law.
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BVMN travelled to Crete on September 1 to attend 25 trials of 36 people on the move accused of so-called smuggling, in cases dating back all the way to November and December. Only 3 out of the 25 cases were heard, and the rest was postponed to a later date.
BVMN travelled to Crete on September 1 to attend 25 trials of 36 people on the move accused of so-called smuggling, in cases dating back all the way to November and December. Only 3 out of the 25 cases were heard, and the rest was postponed to a later date.
September 3, 2025 at 11:37 AM
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BVMN travelled to Crete on September 1 to attend 25 trials of 36 people on the move accused of so-called smuggling, in cases dating back all the way to November and December. Only 3 out of the 25 cases were heard, and the rest was postponed to a later date.
BVMN travelled to Crete on September 1 to attend 25 trials of 36 people on the move accused of so-called smuggling, in cases dating back all the way to November and December. Only 3 out of the 25 cases were heard, and the rest was postponed to a later date.
4/5
❌ Prolonged and illegal use of detention in police stations in Greece
❌ CCACs in Vastria, Samos and Kos
❌ Overview of the detention situation in Turkey
❌ CRAs: Towards a carceralisation of administrative detention in France
❌ Prolonged and illegal use of detention in police stations in Greece
❌ CCACs in Vastria, Samos and Kos
❌ Overview of the detention situation in Turkey
❌ CRAs: Towards a carceralisation of administrative detention in France
August 12, 2025 at 9:06 AM
4/5
❌ Prolonged and illegal use of detention in police stations in Greece
❌ CCACs in Vastria, Samos and Kos
❌ Overview of the detention situation in Turkey
❌ CRAs: Towards a carceralisation of administrative detention in France
❌ Prolonged and illegal use of detention in police stations in Greece
❌ CCACs in Vastria, Samos and Kos
❌ Overview of the detention situation in Turkey
❌ CRAs: Towards a carceralisation of administrative detention in France
3/5
With contributions from our member organisations, partners and working groups, this edition covers, among other things:
❌ Overview of the detention/deportation facilities in Serbia
❌ Lukavica Detention Centre in Bosnia-Herzegovina
❌ Vordernberg Detention Centre in Austria
With contributions from our member organisations, partners and working groups, this edition covers, among other things:
❌ Overview of the detention/deportation facilities in Serbia
❌ Lukavica Detention Centre in Bosnia-Herzegovina
❌ Vordernberg Detention Centre in Austria
August 12, 2025 at 9:06 AM
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With contributions from our member organisations, partners and working groups, this edition covers, among other things:
❌ Overview of the detention/deportation facilities in Serbia
❌ Lukavica Detention Centre in Bosnia-Herzegovina
❌ Vordernberg Detention Centre in Austria
With contributions from our member organisations, partners and working groups, this edition covers, among other things:
❌ Overview of the detention/deportation facilities in Serbia
❌ Lukavica Detention Centre in Bosnia-Herzegovina
❌ Vordernberg Detention Centre in Austria
2/5
This edition looks at the detention conditions and practices faced by POM in multiple countries in Europe, in the context of increasing externalisation and securitisation of borders by the EU and its member states.
This edition looks at the detention conditions and practices faced by POM in multiple countries in Europe, in the context of increasing externalisation and securitisation of borders by the EU and its member states.
August 12, 2025 at 9:06 AM
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This edition looks at the detention conditions and practices faced by POM in multiple countries in Europe, in the context of increasing externalisation and securitisation of borders by the EU and its member states.
This edition looks at the detention conditions and practices faced by POM in multiple countries in Europe, in the context of increasing externalisation and securitisation of borders by the EU and its member states.
In this blog post, researcher Dan Schoolar reveals how the UK has been laying the groundwork for the establishment of its own deportation centres in the Western Balkans, most likely in Serbia.
Read it here: borderviolence.eu/blog/no-rwan...
Editing: Emilija Krivosic
Graphic design: Marlene Janke
Read it here: borderviolence.eu/blog/no-rwan...
Editing: Emilija Krivosic
Graphic design: Marlene Janke
August 7, 2025 at 2:25 PM
In this blog post, researcher Dan Schoolar reveals how the UK has been laying the groundwork for the establishment of its own deportation centres in the Western Balkans, most likely in Serbia.
Read it here: borderviolence.eu/blog/no-rwan...
Editing: Emilija Krivosic
Graphic design: Marlene Janke
Read it here: borderviolence.eu/blog/no-rwan...
Editing: Emilija Krivosic
Graphic design: Marlene Janke
Today, some 30 organisations, including member and partner organisations of the Network, have launched the "Where We Rise" campaign, a coalition call to raise €1 million for people on the move seeking safety.
Donate here: forrefugees.donorsupport.co/page/where-w...
Donate here: forrefugees.donorsupport.co/page/where-w...
July 28, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Today, some 30 organisations, including member and partner organisations of the Network, have launched the "Where We Rise" campaign, a coalition call to raise €1 million for people on the move seeking safety.
Donate here: forrefugees.donorsupport.co/page/where-w...
Donate here: forrefugees.donorsupport.co/page/where-w...
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Last month, our United Nations Advocacy Coordinator spoke at a panel titled "Protecting Migrants’ Rights at Borders" organised by the
@fesonline.bsky.social on the margins of the 59th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
These were his closing remarks.
Last month, our United Nations Advocacy Coordinator spoke at a panel titled "Protecting Migrants’ Rights at Borders" organised by the
@fesonline.bsky.social on the margins of the 59th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
These were his closing remarks.
July 24, 2025 at 10:44 PM
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Last month, our United Nations Advocacy Coordinator spoke at a panel titled "Protecting Migrants’ Rights at Borders" organised by the
@fesonline.bsky.social on the margins of the 59th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
These were his closing remarks.
Last month, our United Nations Advocacy Coordinator spoke at a panel titled "Protecting Migrants’ Rights at Borders" organised by the
@fesonline.bsky.social on the margins of the 59th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
These were his closing remarks.
Before the start of the proceedings, a demonstration, called for by the Social Shelter of Migrants in Chania (Κοινωνικό Στέκι-Στέκι Μεταναστών Χανίων) was organised to demand the acquittal of all of the accused.
July 16, 2025 at 9:31 AM
Before the start of the proceedings, a demonstration, called for by the Social Shelter of Migrants in Chania (Κοινωνικό Στέκι-Στέκι Μεταναστών Χανίων) was organised to demand the acquittal of all of the accused.
Today, our criminalisation coordinator is back at the Appeals Court of Crete in Chania to monitor the trial proceedings of a number of individuals accused of so-called smuggling.
We will be publishing updates as we obtain them.
We will be publishing updates as we obtain them.
July 16, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Today, our criminalisation coordinator is back at the Appeals Court of Crete in Chania to monitor the trial proceedings of a number of individuals accused of so-called smuggling.
We will be publishing updates as we obtain them.
We will be publishing updates as we obtain them.
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In our view, the development of this proposal mirrors similar legislation in Greece, which attempts to criminalise the broadcasting of information from court proceedings.
In both instances, legislation is used to suppress solidarity under the guise of digital modernisation.
In our view, the development of this proposal mirrors similar legislation in Greece, which attempts to criminalise the broadcasting of information from court proceedings.
In both instances, legislation is used to suppress solidarity under the guise of digital modernisation.
July 15, 2025 at 12:18 PM
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In our view, the development of this proposal mirrors similar legislation in Greece, which attempts to criminalise the broadcasting of information from court proceedings.
In both instances, legislation is used to suppress solidarity under the guise of digital modernisation.
In our view, the development of this proposal mirrors similar legislation in Greece, which attempts to criminalise the broadcasting of information from court proceedings.
In both instances, legislation is used to suppress solidarity under the guise of digital modernisation.
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The @ec.europa.eu original proposal, which it published in late 2023, introduces a poorly defined criminal offense of "public instigation", which we believe could be used by EU Member states against humanitarian organisations that support people on the move.
The @ec.europa.eu original proposal, which it published in late 2023, introduces a poorly defined criminal offense of "public instigation", which we believe could be used by EU Member states against humanitarian organisations that support people on the move.
July 15, 2025 at 12:18 PM
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The @ec.europa.eu original proposal, which it published in late 2023, introduces a poorly defined criminal offense of "public instigation", which we believe could be used by EU Member states against humanitarian organisations that support people on the move.
The @ec.europa.eu original proposal, which it published in late 2023, introduces a poorly defined criminal offense of "public instigation", which we believe could be used by EU Member states against humanitarian organisations that support people on the move.
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Out of the 13 cases we monitored:
> Only 2 cases were heard
> 6 were postponed
> The rest were concluded via plea bargains
Out of the 13 cases we monitored:
> Only 2 cases were heard
> 6 were postponed
> The rest were concluded via plea bargains
July 10, 2025 at 5:41 PM
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Out of the 13 cases we monitored:
> Only 2 cases were heard
> 6 were postponed
> The rest were concluded via plea bargains
Out of the 13 cases we monitored:
> Only 2 cases were heard
> 6 were postponed
> The rest were concluded via plea bargains
10 years after the so-called long summer of migration, the deadliness of the European border regime is back in full swing.
@alraven.bsky.social from our Research and Investigations team tries to put a figure on the extent of the suffering this regime has brought.
borderviolence.eu/blog/tallyin...
@alraven.bsky.social from our Research and Investigations team tries to put a figure on the extent of the suffering this regime has brought.
borderviolence.eu/blog/tallyin...
July 7, 2025 at 6:23 PM
10 years after the so-called long summer of migration, the deadliness of the European border regime is back in full swing.
@alraven.bsky.social from our Research and Investigations team tries to put a figure on the extent of the suffering this regime has brought.
borderviolence.eu/blog/tallyin...
@alraven.bsky.social from our Research and Investigations team tries to put a figure on the extent of the suffering this regime has brought.
borderviolence.eu/blog/tallyin...
Read our policy brief to find out how this concept undermines the right to asylum and significantly increases the risks of indirect refoulement:
borderviolence.eu/reports/eros...
borderviolence.eu/reports/eros...
July 3, 2025 at 5:42 AM
Read our policy brief to find out how this concept undermines the right to asylum and significantly increases the risks of indirect refoulement:
borderviolence.eu/reports/eros...
borderviolence.eu/reports/eros...
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This week, BVMN and @cptlesvos.bsky.social trial observers monitored a total of 34 cases at the Court of the Aegean on Samos.
26 cases were heard before the single judge Appeals Court - with 3 of them postponed, while 9 were tried at the 3-Member Felony Court - with 2 postponements.
This week, BVMN and @cptlesvos.bsky.social trial observers monitored a total of 34 cases at the Court of the Aegean on Samos.
26 cases were heard before the single judge Appeals Court - with 3 of them postponed, while 9 were tried at the 3-Member Felony Court - with 2 postponements.
June 20, 2025 at 11:05 PM
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This week, BVMN and @cptlesvos.bsky.social trial observers monitored a total of 34 cases at the Court of the Aegean on Samos.
26 cases were heard before the single judge Appeals Court - with 3 of them postponed, while 9 were tried at the 3-Member Felony Court - with 2 postponements.
This week, BVMN and @cptlesvos.bsky.social trial observers monitored a total of 34 cases at the Court of the Aegean on Samos.
26 cases were heard before the single judge Appeals Court - with 3 of them postponed, while 9 were tried at the 3-Member Felony Court - with 2 postponements.
The EU wants to expand deportations, including of children.
The new DeportationRegulation fuels detention, criminalization, and digital surveillance.
As the #ProtectNotSurveil coalition, we call on the EU to withdraw its proposal.
Read out statement: borderviolence.eu/reports/the-...
The new DeportationRegulation fuels detention, criminalization, and digital surveillance.
As the #ProtectNotSurveil coalition, we call on the EU to withdraw its proposal.
Read out statement: borderviolence.eu/reports/the-...
June 18, 2025 at 1:12 PM
The EU wants to expand deportations, including of children.
The new DeportationRegulation fuels detention, criminalization, and digital surveillance.
As the #ProtectNotSurveil coalition, we call on the EU to withdraw its proposal.
Read out statement: borderviolence.eu/reports/the-...
The new DeportationRegulation fuels detention, criminalization, and digital surveillance.
As the #ProtectNotSurveil coalition, we call on the EU to withdraw its proposal.
Read out statement: borderviolence.eu/reports/the-...
While they generally prefer to conduct them in secrecy, Croatian border agents intentionally make pushbacks “visible” to further dehumanise and racialise people on the move.
Tristan Solf's explains why in the latest instalment of our blog: borderviolence.eu/blog/clothes...
Tristan Solf's explains why in the latest instalment of our blog: borderviolence.eu/blog/clothes...
June 6, 2025 at 2:12 PM
While they generally prefer to conduct them in secrecy, Croatian border agents intentionally make pushbacks “visible” to further dehumanise and racialise people on the move.
Tristan Solf's explains why in the latest instalment of our blog: borderviolence.eu/blog/clothes...
Tristan Solf's explains why in the latest instalment of our blog: borderviolence.eu/blog/clothes...
On June 10, we are organising a webinar along with @picumofficial.bsky.social on the current trends of criminalisation of migration & solidarity in Europe.
*Interpretation in French will be available.*
To register: crm.picum.org/civicrm/even...
*Interpretation in French will be available.*
To register: crm.picum.org/civicrm/even...
June 5, 2025 at 5:39 PM
On June 10, we are organising a webinar along with @picumofficial.bsky.social on the current trends of criminalisation of migration & solidarity in Europe.
*Interpretation in French will be available.*
To register: crm.picum.org/civicrm/even...
*Interpretation in French will be available.*
To register: crm.picum.org/civicrm/even...
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On May 20, the @europarl.europa.eu's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs will vote on the @europol-eu.bsky.social reform report.
MEPs 👏 must 👏 vote 👏 against!
🐎 The reform disguises surveillance as "anti-smuggling"
💰 The reform expands the budget for a problematic agency
On May 20, the @europarl.europa.eu's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs will vote on the @europol-eu.bsky.social reform report.
MEPs 👏 must 👏 vote 👏 against!
🐎 The reform disguises surveillance as "anti-smuggling"
💰 The reform expands the budget for a problematic agency
May 14, 2025 at 9:35 AM
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On May 20, the @europarl.europa.eu's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs will vote on the @europol-eu.bsky.social reform report.
MEPs 👏 must 👏 vote 👏 against!
🐎 The reform disguises surveillance as "anti-smuggling"
💰 The reform expands the budget for a problematic agency
On May 20, the @europarl.europa.eu's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs will vote on the @europol-eu.bsky.social reform report.
MEPs 👏 must 👏 vote 👏 against!
🐎 The reform disguises surveillance as "anti-smuggling"
💰 The reform expands the budget for a problematic agency
2/5
The submission included new evidence of the use of private vessels by Cypriot authorities to conduct illegal pushbacks.
Thanks to vessel tracking data, we identified seven new instances of the use of three vessels in pushbacks between 2020 and 2023.
The submission included new evidence of the use of private vessels by Cypriot authorities to conduct illegal pushbacks.
Thanks to vessel tracking data, we identified seven new instances of the use of three vessels in pushbacks between 2020 and 2023.
May 13, 2025 at 10:38 AM
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The submission included new evidence of the use of private vessels by Cypriot authorities to conduct illegal pushbacks.
Thanks to vessel tracking data, we identified seven new instances of the use of three vessels in pushbacks between 2020 and 2023.
The submission included new evidence of the use of private vessels by Cypriot authorities to conduct illegal pushbacks.
Thanks to vessel tracking data, we identified seven new instances of the use of three vessels in pushbacks between 2020 and 2023.
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On 12 January, we made a submission to the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights ahead of the visit of its Working Group on the use of mercenaries to Cyprus.
borderviolence.eu/reports/subm...
On 12 January, we made a submission to the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights ahead of the visit of its Working Group on the use of mercenaries to Cyprus.
borderviolence.eu/reports/subm...
May 13, 2025 at 10:38 AM
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On 12 January, we made a submission to the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights ahead of the visit of its Working Group on the use of mercenaries to Cyprus.
borderviolence.eu/reports/subm...
On 12 January, we made a submission to the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights ahead of the visit of its Working Group on the use of mercenaries to Cyprus.
borderviolence.eu/reports/subm...
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🟠BVMN’s March report is now online.
borderviolence.eu/reports/balk...
With contributions from our member organisations, partners and working groups, this edition covers, among other things:
❌Serbian government use of sound weapon against protesters
🟠BVMN’s March report is now online.
borderviolence.eu/reports/balk...
With contributions from our member organisations, partners and working groups, this edition covers, among other things:
❌Serbian government use of sound weapon against protesters
May 8, 2025 at 10:31 AM
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🟠BVMN’s March report is now online.
borderviolence.eu/reports/balk...
With contributions from our member organisations, partners and working groups, this edition covers, among other things:
❌Serbian government use of sound weapon against protesters
🟠BVMN’s March report is now online.
borderviolence.eu/reports/balk...
With contributions from our member organisations, partners and working groups, this edition covers, among other things:
❌Serbian government use of sound weapon against protesters
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On 4 April, our Legal Working Group submitted a Third Party Intervention in the case of Mohamed Sharif Husein Ahmed v. Bulgaria (application 15363/22) at the @echr.coe.int
borderviolence.eu/reports/moha...
On 4 April, our Legal Working Group submitted a Third Party Intervention in the case of Mohamed Sharif Husein Ahmed v. Bulgaria (application 15363/22) at the @echr.coe.int
borderviolence.eu/reports/moha...
May 2, 2025 at 9:56 AM
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On 4 April, our Legal Working Group submitted a Third Party Intervention in the case of Mohamed Sharif Husein Ahmed v. Bulgaria (application 15363/22) at the @echr.coe.int
borderviolence.eu/reports/moha...
On 4 April, our Legal Working Group submitted a Third Party Intervention in the case of Mohamed Sharif Husein Ahmed v. Bulgaria (application 15363/22) at the @echr.coe.int
borderviolence.eu/reports/moha...