Maria Karystianou recently faced criticism for her statement regarding the tragic shipwreck near Chios, where numerous lives were lost. In her announcement, she used the phrase 'illegal invasions' to describe the actions of human traffickers, sparking public outrage and accusations of dehumanizing immigrants. In response to the backlash, Karystianou took to social media to clarify her comments, emphasizing that she meant to describe organized actions by traffickers rather than labeling migrants as invaders.

Karystianou condemned the distortion of her words, arguing that the media and some politicians sought to twist her narrative to portray her as callous towards the suffering of migrants. She expressed frustration over how the term 'invasion' was transformed into 'invaders' in public discourse, which she feels unfairly painted her in a negative light amid an already sensitive situation concerning migrant safety in the region.

Her remarks come at a time of heightened tensions in Greece surrounding migration, particularly in light of recent tragic incidents at sea. Karystianou's insistence on addressing the issue of human trafficking might highlight the complexities of discussing these topics in a politically charged environment, reflecting broader societal debates on immigration policies and humanitarian responsibilities. The incident raises questions about language, interpretation, and the responsibilities of public officials in addressing current humanitarian crises.