The Greek trial of nine suspected smugglers of hundreds of migrants killed in a 2023 boat disaster in the Mediterranean was abandoned on Tuesday after the court in the port city of Kalamata said it did not have jurisdiction in the case.
Only 104 people survived the June 2023 disaster south-west of Greece, which is believed to have killed up to 600 migrants.
Greek media on Tuesday said the case, which involved nine Egyptian men between 20 and 40 years old who Greek prosecutors said had been identified by survivors as smugglers, was swiftly dismissed after members of the Greek coastguard told the judge that the disaster had occurred in international waters.
The accused, who had been held in pre-trial detention since the incident, were subsequently released. They had denied any responsibility for the sinking and said they had been passengers on the boat, which set off the Libyan port of Tobruk.
The judge's verdict was met with jubilation from supporters of the accused in the courtroom. Earlier, clashes had broken out outside the courthouse between police and several dozen protesters campaigning for migrants' rights.
The tragedy has been the source of controversy in Greece, with the Greek coastguard accused of failing to assist the vessel despite calls for assistance.
Greek officials said they had offered to help the boat and tow it to safety, but that the crew had denied assistance as it sought to reach Italy.
Witness reports have been conflicting. Some survivors said the coastguard did attend the scene and attempt to tow the boat, leading panic to break out on board and causing it to sink.
Other witnesses said the situation on the vessel deteriorated without intervention by the coastguard. Most of the hundreds of passengers were trapped below deck and were unable to free themselves as the boat sank.
Following the abandonment of the trial in Kalamata, it is unclear whether any other national or international court will take up the case.