Fourteen men are standing trial in Paris over their alleged involvement in a migrant-smuggling operation linked to the deaths of more than 30 people in the English Channel in November 2021. The tragedy occurred after an overloaded dinghy deflated during the dangerous crossing from northern France to Britain.

French prosecutors allege that Afghan and Iraqi-Kurdish smuggling networks organised the journey from migrant camps near Calais and Grande-Synthe. The defendants face charges including involuntary manslaughter, facilitating illegal immigration as part of an organised group and criminal conspiracy. Two defendants are being tried in absentia.

Twenty-seven bodies were recovered after a fishing vessel alerted emergency services, while at least four people remain missing. Only two migrants survived. A later British inquiry found the deaths could have been avoided and criticised decisions made during the emergency response. The Paris trial is scheduled to continue until September 30.

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