Trial Begins Over Channel Disaster That Killed Dozens of Kurdish Migrants

Fourteen men have gone on trial in Paris over the deaths of more than 30 migrants who drowned while attempting to cross the English Channel to Britain in November 2021.

The victims were mainly Iraqi Kurds, alongside people from Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Egypt, Somalia, Iran and Vietnam. Twenty-seven bodies were recovered, at least four people remain missing, and only two people survived. The youngest known victim was a seven-year-old girl. (Reuters)

French prosecutors allege that the defendants were connected to people-smuggling networks that organised the dangerous crossing from northern France to the UK. They face charges including involuntary manslaughter and facilitating illegal immigration as part of an organised criminal group. Two defendants are being tried in absentia. (Reuters)

The case also raises serious questions about the response of French and British authorities. A British inquiry published earlier this year concluded that the deaths were avoidable, citing failures and flawed decisions during the rescue operation. (Reuters)

Families of victims have travelled from Iraqi Kurdistan to Paris seeking justice. Nine people from Erbil are expected to testify during the proceedings.

The trial is expected to continue until 30 September 2026.

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