CAMPAIGN
On 25.08.2021, Homayoun Sabetara, a migrant fleeing Iran, was arrested by the Greek authorities in Thessaloniki after driving a vehicle across the Turkish-Greek border. Following an unfair trial in a language foreign to him, Mr. Sabetara was then sentenced on 26.09.2022 to 18 years' imprisonment for alleged smuggling. Mr Sabetara was reportedly forced to drive the vehicle from its point of departure near the Turkish-Greek border and to transport seven other people. He has been detained in Greece since his arrest in August 2021. At the time of his escape from Iran, Homayoun Sabetara had no legal and safe way to travel to Germany, where his children currently live.
On April 22, 2024, the first hearing in the appeal proceedings took place. The appeal process was postponed until September 24, 2024. There, his sentence was reduced to 7 years and 4 months, so that he was released from prison in December 24. He must now report to the police station every month for the next 3 years and is not allowed to leave Thessaloniki.
We continue to fight for Homayoun's acquittal: On 19 September 2025, his case was heard before the highest Greek court. The verdict is still pending.
We demand the acquittal of Homayoun Sabetara, as well as all migrants who are criminalized for 'smuggling'
JAN 2025
“Ants Became My Best Friends”
Interview with Homayoun Sabetara after his release from prison in Trikala – 06.01.2025, Thessaloniki
In August 2021, Homayoun Sabetara wanted to travel from Iran to live with his children in Berlin, but was arrested after having driven a car with seven other people across the Turkish-Greek border. One year later and in an unfair trial, he was sentenced to 18 years in prison for ‘people smuggling’. Despite a lack of evidence and a lengthy legal battle, his sentence was only reduced to 7 years and 4 months three years later on appeal. However, he was not acquitted. In Thessaloniki in early January 2025, he talks to Kiana Ghaffarizad, part of the #FreeHomayoun campaign team, for the first time after his release from prison about his experiences and wishes for the future.
Homayoun Joon, when you finally sat on the bus to Thessaloniki on December 16th: What was going through your mind during that ride?
First, it’s a pleasure to be able to speak with you today. Finally, after three years I have been released from prison. First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the people involved in the campaign and to all those who tirelessly fight for others’ rights.
On that day [December 16th], first, the private police took me to Trikala to the police station. They questioned me again: “Where will you live? Who do you know there? Do you speak the language?” After answering all these questions, I had to sign a few papers, and then they took me to the bus stop and said, “You must go to Thessaloniki.”
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CURRENT NEWS
Acquittal for Homayoun Sabetara?
On 19 September Homayoun Sabetara's case was heard before the Areios Pagos, Greece's highest court. This is not only crucial for Homayoun's case, but also for many similar cases. For the first time, two grounds for appeal are being examined that have never before been heard before this court. The ruling is expected in three to six months.
Three trials within three years
There is no doubt that Homayoun Sabetara should be acquitted. His conviction for so-called ‘aiding and abetting illegal entry’ is based on the incriminating testimony of a witness who never appeared in court. Nevertheless, on this basis alone, Homayoun was sentenced to 18 years in prison in his first trial for driving a car with seven other people from Turkey to Greece.
In past trials, the court had already recognised his motivation to apply for asylum and to have wanted to travel to Berlin to be with his children. In the appeal proceedings, it was also confirmed that Homayoun had not acted out of base motives, such as profit. The sentence was then reduced to 7 years and 4 months, and the court agreed to release him on parole.
These are small victories. But Homayoun has not yet been acquitted!
To the highest court
The case is now being heard before Greece's highest court, the Areios Pagos. In addition to the inadmissible witness testimony, the court will also examine the fact that Homayoun was recognised as an asylum seeker, as well as five other grounds for appeal that argue in favour of an acquittal. These arguments strengthen Homayoun Sabetara's position and raise hopes that his conviction will be completely overturned.
However, the process of appealing through the courts involves considerable costs. The proceedings before the Greek Supreme Court alone will cost Homayoun €6,500. So far, half of the money has been raised. Can we work together to support Homayoun with the remaining costs?
If it's possible for you, please donate, forward this message and talk about the case with those around you.
We will, of course, keep you informed about the verdict and thank you for your support in this lengthy and important legal battle.
DAYS UNTIL HOMAYOUN'S TRIAL
