Human rights defenders are sounding the alarm as Greece moves to suspend the processing of asylum applications of people arriving from North Africa for at least three months. Greece’s migration minister said anyone violating the policy would face a choice between jail or being immediately expelled. The International Rescue Committee said, “Seeking refuge is a human right; preventing people from doing so is both illegal and inhumane.”

It’s not unusual for Greek coast guards to rescue hundreds of asylum seekers a day in the Mediterranean Sea. The Greek government has moved to restrict rights for the growing immigrant population and to criminalize activists who help refugees.