In a recent statement regarding the tragic shipwreck off the coast of Chios, Greek Migration Minister Thanos Plevris asserted that the Coast Guard's role is critical in protecting Greece's borders and that they should not be viewed as a welcoming committee for migrants. Instead, he stated that the true adversaries are the human traffickers who recklessly endanger lives for profit. His remarks follow a deadly incident that resulted in multiple fatalities, causing a serious examination of the responsibilities of those involved in the trafficking of migrants.

Plevris expressed his trust in the findings of the Coast Guard's report on the maritime tragedy, noting that investigations are ongoing and emphasizing that those responsible for the deaths of individuals in such incidents are the traffickers. He highlighted the moral outrage of individuals who put others at risk to evade arrest and deemed their actions as murder. This statement comes after his visit to refugee and migrant hosting facilities in Ioannina, where he addressed concerns regarding the current migration crisis in Greece.

The minister's comments underline the Greek government's assertive stance against human trafficking and its efforts to hold traffickers accountable for their actions. As Greece continues to manage a significant influx of migrants and asylum seekers, the government is under pressure to enhance border security while providing adequate support to those in need. These developments reflect the broader challenges faced by European nations in addressing migration amidst humanitarian concerns and border security issues.