Greek court clears Somali refugee of human trafficking

By Ahmet Gencturk

ANKARA (AA) – An appeal court on the Greek island of Lesvos cleared a Somali refugee, whose case drew international attention, of human trafficking and ordered his release, local media reported on Monday evening.

The court reduced Mohammad Hanad Abdi’s sentence to eight years and ordered his release, considering time served and good behavior, daily Avgi said.

The trial was attended by numerous human rights defenders and members of the European Parliament.

Stelios Kouloglou of the SYRIZA-PS party, who participated in the trial as a defense witness, claimed on Twitter that the court’s decision is an important victory for the international solidarity movement.

Supported by more than 2,000 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), organizations, and members of civil society, Kouloglou organized the international initiative "142 Years in Prison: A Fair Trial for Mohammad" to support refugees like Mohammad.

As part of the initiative, MEPs from the European Left participated in appeals as defense witnesses and organized a large support concert on Greek Island Lesvos.