Yesterday, the competent Norwegian Court of Appeal unanimously rejected the European Arrest Warrant issued by the Greek authorities against the founder of Aegean Boat Report, Tommy Olsen.
The court concluded that the acts described by the Greek authorities do not constitute criminal offences under Norwegian law. It also found a real risk of violating Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights – the right to freedom of expression.
The decision goes far beyond a simple technical rejection of an extradition request.
The Norwegian Court of Appeal relied on findings of the European Court of Human Rights, UN Special Rapporteurs and EU Rule of Law reports. These documents document serious concerns about pushbacks in Greece and the targeting of human rights defenders working with refugees.
The court also acknowledged that the activities described by the Greek authorities – recording violations, obtaining information, communicating with refugees and assisting in asylum procedures – are protected activities, based on international law and freedom of expression.
This isn’t just a significant personal win for Tommy Olsen. It is also an important decision for journalists, human rights defenders, humanitarian workers and those documenting violations at Europe’s borders.
For years, individuals and organizations working with refugees in Greece have faced intimidation, surveillance, criminal investigations, and abusive prosecutions aimed at silencing criticism and stopping the recording of human rights violations.
The decision of the Court of Appeal of Hålogaland sends a clear and serious message:
- Humanitarian action is not human trafficking.
- Recording human rights violations is not a crime.
- Freedom of expression and the rule of law continue to matter in Europe.
The court’s decision is also a reminder that criminal law cannot be used as a weapon against those who expose illegal pushbacks, violence and abuse against people moving in the Aegean Sea.
Despite years of pressure, investigations, threats and attempts to silence our work, the Aegean Boat Report will continue to record what is happening at Europe’s borders.
We will not stop.