Garden Court's client Seán Binder was interviewed in The Times on his ordeal of nearly being denied entry to the legal profession due to his ongoing prosecution in Greece for his humanitarian work rescuing migrants. Further coverage in the Law Society Gazette.
In August 2018, Seán was arrested and charged with a number of serious criminal offences connected to migrant search and rescue work he carried out as a volunteer for a humanitarian NGO in Lesbos, Greece. Following his arrest, he spent 106 days in pre-trial detention in a Greek prison. He is charged with a number of serious criminal offences including facilitation of illegal entry (smuggling), money laundering, espionage and membership in a criminal organisation. If found guilty of these offences he faces up to 20 years in jail.
Seán has been granted permission to continue his training to become a barrister despite facing a criminal prosecution in Greece much criticised by jurists, international human rights experts and independent commentators.
The 29-year-old law student faces criminal charges for life-saving migrant search and rescue work he carried out as a volunteer for a humanitarian NGO in Lesbos, Greece. Mr Binder’s work at all times was humanitarian, motivated by the desire to save lives at sea.
His co-accused include the Syrian former Olympic swimmer, Sara Mardini, whose story featured in the Netflix documentary film ‘The Swimmers’.
Gráinne Mellon of the Garden Court Chambers International Human Rights Team acts pro bono for Seán Binder in international and European rights issues arising from his ongoing prosecution in Greece. She is led by Edward Fitzgerald KC of Doughty Street Chambers and instructed by Tessa Gregory, Leigh Day.
Gráinne Mellon and Emma Fitzsimons acted for Seán Binder in fitness to practice matters pro bono, also led by Edward Fitzgerald KC. They are instructed by Andrew Katzen, Hickman and Rose.
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Civil Liberties and Human Rights, International Human Rights, International Crime and Conflict Law | Monday 4 December 2023
Humanitarian Seán Binder cleared to continue his legal training despite controversial Greek prosecution
Gráinne Mellon and Emma Fitzsimons acted for Seán Binder in fitness to practice matters pro bono, also led by Edward Fitzgerald KC. They are instructed by Andrew Katzen, Hickman and Rose.
International Human Rights, Garden Court International, Civil Liberties and Human Rights | Monday 9 January 2023
Trial of migrant search and rescue worker Seán Binder is due to be heard in Lesbos, Greece on 10 January despite multiple breaches of international human rights law
Grainne Mellon of Garden Court Chambers acts for Sean Binder. She is led by Edward Fitzgerald KC of Doughty Street Chambers, instructed by Tessa Gregory and Carolin Ott of Leigh Day Solicitors London.
