Crimes at Sea: Death on the Way to the Canary Islands
As if the rough sea weren't enough, unbearable violence is recorded on migrant boats in the Atlantic – even people being thrown overboard alive. When survivors reach the Canary Islands, the crimes are usually swept under the rug.
TL;DR
- Migrants on boats traveling to the Canary Islands face extreme violence, including murder and being thrown overboard.
- Survivors often do not see justice for crimes committed during the perilous journey.
- Challenges in jurisdiction and obtaining consistent witness testimonies make prosecution difficult.
- Victims, particularly children, unaccompanied minors, and women, are most vulnerable.
- The number of crossings has decreased, but reports of extreme violence are increasing.
- In some cases, survivors are too traumatized to participate in legal proceedings.
- There is often neither criminal prosecution nor compensation for victims or their families.