French police accused of rising use of violence to stop Channel crossings
Summary
A French charity says French police have been using more violence to stop migrants crossing the Channel to the UK this year. The UK and French governments have increased enforcement efforts, resulting in fewer crossings but also more dangerous conditions and reports of police violence.Key Facts
- So far in 2024, 2,720 people reported police violence on French beaches, up from 1,954 in the same period last year.
- Despite fewer crossings overall, at least 21 people have died trying to cross the Channel this year.
- The UK is funding French enforcement, including deploying a riot squad to stop boats carrying migrants.
- Reports include beatings, use of teargas, and dangerous police actions, such as a woman’s leg being run over by a police buggy.
- The UK Home Office says French police prevented 185 boats and over 4,300 people from crossing between late April and early August.
- Utopia 56 claims many intercepted people do not simply disappear and suffer due to harsh enforcement practices.
- The seizure of lifejackets and boats can increase drowning risks rather than stop smugglers.
- The UK government aims to reduce crossings further by increasing police presence on French beaches by 40%.
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