IUVENTA crew - guilty of solidarity
Berlin, Germany
99% funded
€2,218 to go
“The history of migration is the history of borders. With the "right" passport, the earth appears to be a smooth surface, almost effortless to cross. With the ‘wrong’ passport every border carries the threat of violence, exploitation or death.”
Iuventa-crew free of all charges!
All papers signed, time for appealing the decisions expired! After a seven-year odyssey, we now hold the final documents of our trial with a swirl of emotions. The delivery of the translation of the grounds for the verdict marks the final act of the longest, most expensive and most extensive criminal proceedings ever initiated against sea rescue organisations – and it ended with more than just an acquittal!
‘The facts of the case do not constitute a crime’
(judge's conclusion on the last day of the trial, 19 April 2024)
Find more about the judgement and the outcome of the proceedings here: iuventa-crew.org
With your stable financial and political support over the years, we were able to go through these proceedings loud and upright! Thanks to you, we had the opportunity to make it clear at every opportunity that this is about more than just us 4 defendants, that it is about more than just a single rescue ship!
We thank you for that!
But we still have anger in our bellies as the conditions and realities at the EU’s borders have not changed one bit for the better. A growing authoritarianism and the erosion of universal human rights progress. The right to have rights is being dismantled and bulldozed in an intolerable extent, not only at the borders of the EU – but from Gaza to Sudan to Rojava.
A story like that of the IUVENTA must not be repeated!Every civil sea rescue vessel that is confiscated or detained; every crew that has to defend itself for years in a criminal trial because of its solidarity actions – all of this should trigger an outcry and resistance!
Our acquittal is only a milestone, not the end of the fight! The core problems that led us to act remain:
The denial of safe and legal escape and migration routes to Europe.The dangerous journeys that people on the move are forced to take, leading to violence and death.The criminalisation of solidarity with and mutual assistance among refugees, leading to the destruction of lives by EU migration policies.
Our commitment is unwavering. We will continue:
At sea: Rescuing and assisting those in danger.In courts: Defending the rights of people on the move and those who act in solidarity with them.On the streets: Raising awareness and mobilising support in our communities.
Together, we will continue to fight for justice, for the right to have rights, and for freedom of movement for all!
Solidarity And Resistance!