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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 September 19, 25, the trial will take place before Supreme Court.

We demand the acquittal of Homayoun Sabetara, as well as all migrants who are criminalized for 'smuggling'

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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

 

Update: The Supreme Court hearing has been postponed to 19.09.2025!



Dear Supporters,


Thanks to your support Homayoun Sabetara was released from prison on December 16, 2024, after three long years. But our fight and struggle to achieve true justice is far from over. Though Homayoun is free from being trapped behind bars, he remains confined in Thessaloniki on probation, still awaiting justice.


We have a crucial appeal on March 14, 2025 at a higher greek court, to fight for his full acquittal and true freedom. We will take Homayouns case, on representative of thousands of other cases, to the highest European court! We will show that the systematic criminalization of people on the move by the Greek authorities is unjustifiable.


We are obliged to raise €6,500 to cover legal fees and court costs. Your continued support can help us reach this goal and finally bring Homayoun the freedom he deserves.


How You Can Help:

  • Donate: Every euro big or small brings us closer to justice.
  • Share: Spread awareness and the word using #FreeHomayoun.
  • Stay Engaged: Follow our campaign for updates.

Together, we can make this the final chapter of Homayoun fight for freedom.


Let’s fight for justice together. Could you donate now and help us #FreeHomayoun?


https://www.goodcrowd.org/until-acquittal-free-homayoun-sabetara


Solidarity wins!

Free Homayoun! Free them all!

 

DAYS UNTIL HOMAYOUN'S TRIAL

Campaign for the release of Homayoun Sabetara

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