#Exclusive @Frontex is involved in illegal pushbacks of migrant boats to Turkey in the Aegean. Agency's role is documented for the first time after a months-long investigation by @derspiegel @LHReports @bellingcat @ARDde @tv_asahi_news @EmmanFre Thread: http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/fluechtlinge-frontex-in-griechenland-in-illegale-pushbacks-verwickelt-a-00000000-0002-0001-0000-000173654787

2/ The EU’s border agency has repeatedly denied involvement & knowledge of such practices. This investigation disputes this assertion and demonstrates beyond doubt a degree of Frontex complicity ranging from direct participation to failure to intervene

3/ The evidence is based on leaked documents, numerous video footage and photos, interviews with migrants, Greek locals and insiders. It also reveals how internal reports on these illegal activities are routinely (self)censored.

4/ A Frontex vessel directly participated in pushback on June 8 off Lesvos. Visual evidence shows a dingy with intercepted and physically blocked by Romanian Frontex vessel MAI1103. The Frontex vessel created waves to push back the dinghy until Greek Coast Guard pushed it back

5/ While this incident was unfolding a Portuguese Frontex vessel, the Nortada, came within 5km (visual range) of the incident.

6/ When presented with the findings, both Frontex and Greek authorities insisted they follow the law and respect migrant rights. However, neither directly disputed the events or provided any kind of point-by-point refutation.