Norwegian refugee activist arrested under Greek warrant

Norwegian activist Tommy Olsen was detained at his home in Tromsø on Monday after Greek authorities issued an arrest warrant accusing him of involvement in human smuggling, NRK reports.

Olsen, 53, who runs the monitoring group Aegean Boat Report, told NRK the arrest came as a surprise despite ongoing dialogue with Norwegian police over the past month. “I’m sitting in the back of a police car now. It was unexpected for them to show up at my home,” he said.

Greek authorities allege Olsen has ties to criminal networks facilitating illegal crossings from Turkey to Greece. Olsen denies the claims, stating his work focuses on documenting human rights violations and assisting refugees in distress at sea or upon arrival in Europe.

“What I do is provide help when people have already reached European soil or are in danger at sea,” he told Nordlys last week. “I want the world to know what’s happening in Greece—systematic human rights abuses by the coast guard and authorities.”

Olsen founded Aegean Boat Report in 2015 during the refugee crisis, initially working on Lesbos to support arriving migrants. His current role involves operating a helpline for refugees and reporting violations to authorities. He has previously accused Greek officials of breaching the Geneva Conventions.

Norwegian police confirmed the arrest but declined to comment further, citing the ongoing investigation. Greek authorities have not yet issued a public statement on the case.