Athens, Greece – In a dramatic turn of events, an arrest warrant has been issued for Tommy Olsen on the east Aegean island of Kos. Olsen, a 51-year-old nursery teacher from Norway, is accused of aiding undocumented refugees and migrants in crossing from Turkey to Greece.
With the possibility of extradition and facing at least 20 years in jail, Olsen’s involvement with refugees began in 2015 as a volunteer on Lesbos, managing the influx of arrivals. His organization, Aegean Boat Report, monitored refugee flows and exposed pushbacks by the Greek coastguard.
However, the situation turned hostile after the Greek government changed, leading to suspicions of aid groups engaging in illegal activities. Olsen’s outspoken denouncement of pushbacks and cooperation with the media have made him a target for Greek authorities.
As the crackdown on volunteers continues, Olsen’s future with Aegean Boat Report hangs in the balance. With mounting pressure and the risk of losing support, Olsen reflects on the critical role of civil society in upholding human rights amidst Europe’s immigration crisis.