The Department of Foreign Affairs does not comment on the specific details of individuals. However, in respect of the individual in question, I can confirm the following details:
It is the understanding of my Department that the individual was arrested in Greece in 2018 and was charged in relation to a number of offences. In 2023, the case concerning the misdemeanour charges against the individual was annulled, while a separate felony case remains at the investigative stage.
As the individual is a not an Irish citizen, and was not travelling on an Irish passport, consular assistance continues to be provided by the relevant Embassy in Athens. This has been the case since the individual’s initial arrest and period of pre-trial detention in 2018.
Given the individual’s close connection with Ireland, Irish officials have been in contact with both the individual and the relevant Embassy in Athens in regard to the case. The Department of Foreign Affairs, through the Embassy of Ireland in Athens, will continue to follow any developments as they arise.
Separate to this specific case, the protection of civil society space and the elimination of reprisals against human rights defenders and civil society activists are key foreign policy priorities for Ireland.
