The Alicante Provincial Court has commenced the trial against two men and a woman accused of transporting four migrants, including a minor, from Algeria to the coastline of Orihuela in a small boat.
According to information released by the High Court of Justice of the Valencian Community, the vessel departed from the Algerian coast on 14th November 2022. The three defendants allegedly travelled aboard the boat alongside the other occupants, who are reported to have paid a sum of money to make the crossing.
The public prosecution maintains that the vessel was precarious and lacked adequate safety conditions. The journey between Algeria and the Alicante coast involves several hours of open-sea navigation, significantly increasing the danger in the event of rough seas or a mechanical breakdown.
The prosecution further highlights that the passengers’ lives were put at serious risk due to the travelling conditions and the distance covered. This situation is aggravated by the fact that at least one minor was amongst those on board the vessel.
The boat arrived in Spanish waters two days after its departure, in November 2022, when it was intercepted by the Guardia Civil in the vicinity of the Orihuela coast, within the Alicante province.
Following the interception, the occupants were brought ashore and placed at the disposal of the competent authorities. This operation initiated the investigation that ultimately led to the criminal proceedings now being heard in court.
The trial was scheduled to begin today, Monday 13th July, at 9.30 am in the Seventh Section of the Alicante Provincial Court. The defendants, as well as the officers who took part in intercepting the boat, are expected to give evidence during the hearing.
The prosecution charges the three defendants for their involvement in organising and executing the boat journey. Furthermore, the state argues that the accused were fully aware of the conditions of the crossing and the risks being taken by the passengers, particularly the minor travelling with the group.
