This ruling reaffirms the right of individuals seeking asylum to have their claims assessed properly, emphasizing that systematic pushbacks violate European human rights standards.

Human rights organizations welcomed the ruling but criticized the high burden of proof required for other affected refugees, highlighting the need for accountability.

On January 7, 2025, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Greece illegally deported a Turkish woman, identified as A.R.E., back to Turkey, labeling the practice of summary expulsions, known as 'pushbacks', as systematic.

The court awarded A.R.E. €20,000 in damages, recognizing her unlawful treatment after she was expelled in 2019 without the opportunity to claim asylum.

A.R.E. had sought asylum in Greece after being sentenced in Turkey for her political beliefs, but was returned to Turkey on the same day without an asylum assessment.

Following her arrest, A.R.E. reported that Greek police confiscated her belongings and forcibly returned her to Turkey via an inflatable boat.

After her expulsion, A.R.E. was arrested in Turkey and charged with being part of a terrorist organization linked to the failed coup attempt in 2016.

The court's judgment highlighted evidence of systematic pushbacks by Greek authorities, contradicting Greece's long-standing denial of such practices.

Despite the ruling, Greek government representatives have consistently denied engaging in pushbacks, asserting that their border policies comply with international law.

The U.N. refugee agency has called for thorough investigations into pushback allegations, which have been described as systematic by various human rights organizations.

The decision sets a precedent that may influence numerous similar pending cases before the Strasbourg court regarding allegations of pushbacks against Greece.

As Greece recorded over 60,000 illegal migrant arrivals in 2024, the ruling comes at a time when the country seeks EU funding to expand its border wall with Turkey.