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Paris Court Convicts Six Smugglers Over Deadly Channel Crossing
A group of migrants tried to cross the Channel in a small, overcrowded boat.
The boat deflated during the journey in November 2021.
More than 30 people died, and only two people survived.
A French court said six smugglers were responsible for the dangerous trip.
The six men were sentenced to between six and 10 years in prison.
Seven other men were convicted of less serious smuggling crimes.
One man was found not guilty.
Investigators are also examining whether military personnel failed to help the migrants.
Six men were convicted of manslaughter over the drowning of more than 30 migrants in the Channel.
The overloaded dinghy deflated during the crossing in November 2021, killing at least 31 people.
The six manslaughter sentences ranged from six to 10 years in prison.
Seven other men received sentences ranging from six months suspended to four years for lesser smuggling offenses; one was acquitted.
A French military investigation is examining whether personnel failed to help, while a British inquiry called the deaths avoidable.
- Who
- Six smugglers were convicted of manslaughter; seven others were convicted of lesser smuggling offenses, and one man was acquitted. The victims were mainly Iraqi Kurds, along with migrants from several other countries.
- What
- A Paris court issued convictions over the drowning of more than 30 migrants during a Channel crossing.
- Where
- The migrants drowned in the Channel after their dinghy deflated near the French coast, off Calais.
- When
- The disaster occurred in November 2021, and the convictions were announced on Wednesday, September 30. The article does not specify the year of the court ruling.
- Why
- The court found the six smugglers directly or indirectly responsible for the journey and said they showed complete indifference to human life for profit.
Key facts
- Manslaughter convictions
- Six men were found guilty.
- Manslaughter sentences
- Six to 10 years in prison.
- Other convictions
- Seven men were convicted of lesser smuggling offenses, with sentences from six months suspended to four years.
- Acquittal
- One man was found innocent.
- Victims
- More than 30 migrants died; 27 bodies were recovered and at least four victims remained missing.
- Survivors
- Two men survived the crossing.
- Appeal deadline
- The defendants have 10 days to appeal.
- Additional investigation
- French military personnel are under formal investigation for allegedly failing to help the migrants.
Quotes
Zana Mamand Muhammad
Brother of Twana, an 18-year-old victim whose body was never recovered
“It confirms the smugglers’ criminal responsibility. It is a welcome first step, which now leads to a second one: the trial of the military personnel.”
theprint.in
“I live with the uncertainty of discovering some information about his disappearance, a body, a grave.”
theprint.in
Sources
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