French Police Under Fire for Failing to Save Drowning Syrian Migrant During Intercept
London, UK – As French President Emmanuel Macron arrives in London for a state visit, the UK announces its support for French police intercepting and slashing migrant boats. However, experts and campaigners warn that this tactic could result in the loss of many migrant lives. A new investigation by The New Arab (TNA) has revealed a tragic case of French police failure to save a drowning Syrian migrant.
Jumaa al-Hasan, a 27-year-old Syrian man, drowned on the night of March 2nd, 2024 while attempting to cross the Channel from France to the UK. Despite being in close proximity and receiving repeated warnings from those travelling with Jumaa, the French police did not intervene to save him. After his death, the fire brigade only carried out a minimal search.
TNA’s year-long investigation, conducted in collaboration with French investigative outlet Disclose, French NGO Index, and Italian research centre Liminal, used 3D digital modelling to reconstruct the events leading up to Jumaa’s death.
The investigation has raised concerns about the dangerous nature of crossing the Channel, the responsibility of the French police, and the shortcomings of emergency services. In many similar cases, official investigations have ignored the role of law enforcement and focused solely on smuggling networks. This approach has now been endorsed by the UK, despite its potential human rights implications.
Following the release of the investigation, French NGO Utopia56 has announced their intention to file a “Note of Intervention” to prompt courts to investigate the actions of the police and firefighters involved in Jumaa’s case.
The full investigation can be read here, and high-resolution images are available for use with proper credit to The New Arab. For media inquiries, please contact Outreach.uk@fadaatmedia.com.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.