A packed Greek court erupted in cheers tonight as a Kerry humanitarian was found not guilty of people smuggling, belonging to a criminal organisation and money laundering almost eight years after the charges were first brought. Outside the court in Mytilene, confetti and champagne corks exploded as all 24 defendants and their supporters celebrated their acquittal. Mr Binder said that the charges had been spurious from the beginning, designed to deter humanitarians from operating on the island. It was not proven that the defendants had been in contact with any specific people smugglers, the court heard. Humanitarians told the Court of Appeal that they felt obliged to volunteer and try to save lives as the authorities often failed to respond.

Source: Irish Examiner January 15, 2026 20:14 UTC