On February 3, 2026, a collision between a migrant vessel and a Greek coast guard boat near Chios resulted in at least 15 deaths and numerous injuries, with survivors facing criminalization for smuggling despite lacking evidence. This incident highlights a troubling pattern of state responses that blame smugglers to evade accountability for institutional failures, reflecting a broader trend in Mediterranean border enforcement where deterrence often overshadows search-and-rescue efforts. The selective identification of a Moroccan survivor as a suspect underscores racialized narratives in migration enforcement, further criminalizing those affected by state violence. Overall, prioritizing deterrence over protection normalizes violence and obscures the need for independent accountability mechanisms in maritime operations.
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