Johansson pleased with Croatia’s promise to launch probe into border violence

NEWS 08.10.202112:05 0 komentara
VIRGINIA MAYO / POOL / AFP

European Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson "expressed satisfaction with her talks with Croatian Minister of the Interior Davor Bozinovic and his announcement of an investigation into reports of illegal expulsion of migrants as well as her dissatisfaction with Greece's reaction," Croatian state agency Hina informed global audiences on Friday

“The Croatian government has taken the reports very seriously and an investigation will be launched promptly,” Johansson said, noting that Bozinovic was “shocked” and that she believed Croatia was “acting as it should, with the clear position that border protection should always be in line with the rule of law and fundamental rights,” Hina said.

The European commissioner held meetings on Thursday evening with Bozinovic and Greek Migration and Asylum Minister Notis Mitarachi.

A number of European media outlets on Wednesday evening broadcast disturbing videos of forcible expulsion of migrants in Croatia’s territory and Greece. The videos, made with the help of drones, show men wearing balaclavas and uniforms resembling those worn by Croatian police as they drive migrants out towards Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Johansson said that Croatia would carry out an investigation, using the independent mechanism of supervision established together with the European Commission.

“That is the right response,” Hina quoted her as saying.

On the other hand, she “expressed dissatisfaction with the Greek minister’s reaction to the media reports,” noting that the EC would not tolerate the Greek government’s failure to investigate the allegations, Hina said, without explaining what the Greek minister’s reaction was.

Johansson said that the EU’s external borders had to be protected but that the rule of law and fundamental rights had to be preserved in the process.

Asked by reporters what would be done if it proved true that Croatia used the money it obtained from EU funds to control the border for the accommodation of personnel taking part in forcible expulsions of migrants, EC spokesman Adalbert Jahnz said on Thursday that an investigation would be launched.

Jahnz noted that the EC was closely following how European money is spent and if it turns out that it has been used for illegal activities, payments may be suspended, penalties imposed or a refund of the money demanded, Hina reported.hina

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