France’s anti-crime prosecution service has announced that it will try 14 defendants in connection with the capsizing of a migrant boat in the English Channel, among whom are Afghan nationals. The incident occurred in November 2021 and resulted in the deaths of 31 migrants in the waters between France and the United Kingdom.
French judicial authorities have charged the individuals with involuntary manslaughter, involuntary bodily harm, organised facilitation of illegal immigration, and participation in criminal networks.
According to Agence France-Presse, most of the accused are from Afghanistan and Iraq, and are suspected of having links to human smuggling networks.
Meanwhile, in a separate aspect of the case, several members of the French naval forces are also under investigation, on allegations that they failed to assist people in danger.
Investigations indicate that the tragedy occurred when an overcrowded, unsuitable boat lacking safety equipment set off at night in the waters of the English Channel.
Men, women, and children were among those on board, with only two survivors.
Authorities consider the incident a result of the activities of human smuggling networks and attempts at irregular migration.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
