OMM Redaksiyası
Fourteen men have gone on trial in Paris over the deaths of more than 30 migrants who tried to cross the English Channel in November 2021. The incident is considered the deadliest migrant tragedy recorded in the narrow waterway between France and Britain.
The migrants were attempting to travel from northern France to Britain when their overloaded inflatable boat deflated. The bodies of 27 people were recovered, while at least four others are still considered missing. Only two people survived. Most of the victims were Iraqi Kurds; nationals of Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Egypt, Somalia, Iran and Vietnam were also among those killed. The youngest known victim was a seven-year-old girl.
The defendants face charges of causing deaths through negligence, facilitating illegal migration as part of an organized group and participating in a criminal conspiracy. Two of them remain wanted and will be tried in absentia.
Prosecutors target people-smuggling networks
According to investigators, Afghan and Iraqi-Kurdish smuggling networks organized the crossing from migrant camps near the northern French towns of Grande-Synthe and Calais. Those accused of causing deaths through negligence include organizers, boat operators and logistics coordinators.
Prosecutors say that although some defendants were not at the scene when the boat set off, their actions contributed to the circumstances that led to the deaths. Court documents state that the boat was not certified for travel in open waters and did not carry enough life jackets. Experts said the people aboard had “no chance” of responding effectively to an emergency at sea.
Investigators collected mobile phone data, intercepted communications, surveillance material, and statements from survivors and relatives of the victims.
Investigation finds deaths could have been prevented
An inquiry conducted in Britain found that the tragedy could have been prevented and identified failures on both sides of the English Channel. The report said a vessel belonging to the French navy failed to respond to a request for assistance from the British coastguard.
The inquiry also found that British authorities made a number of incorrect decisions, including ending the search for survivors prematurely.
Some relatives of the victims are expected to travel from Erbil, in Iraq’s Kurdistan region, to attend the trial. Lawyers representing the families said: “Justice must hold everyone who played a role in this tragedy accountable.”
The trial is scheduled to continue until Sept. 30.
