The data was provided by PICUM (Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants) and was based on media cases. That is why the organization has stressed that these cases are only the tip of the iceberg and that many more unknown must be added. In 2022, for example, 102 people were brought to court.

According to PICUM, moreover, the trend towards criminalisation of activists may worsen, as the measures proposed by the EU to combat human trafficking are not exempt from humanitarian aid to migrants. They received it in Eldiario.es.

These criminalized activists have helped or rescued endangered migrants at sea, given them shelter, tried to stop deportation, promoted integration policies in the village, or given them food, water and clothing. For this reason, they have been prosecuted with arguments such as facilitating the illegal entry of someone into the country, facilitating their stay in the country or facilitating the traffic of people.

Most cases have been detected in southern Europe, where 74 activists were criminalised in Italy and 31 in Greece.

“The criminalization of those who help and the criminalization of the migrants themselves who cross borders are the result of the political migrations that we have, which endanger the crossing of borders and create a climate that is contrary to those that they get,” they stress from PICUM.