HIBAPRESS
An Algerian migrant, involved in piloting a rubber boat (patera) that sailed from a North African country's coast last November with 16 people of Palestinian and Algerian origin on board, including two minors, admitted to the sentence issued against him, which sentenced him to four years in prison, after being charged with violating the rights of foreign citizens.
Reduction of the prison sentence
Judicial sources confirmed to the Spanish news agency Europa Press that the accused admitted the actions he committed at the beginning of the trial session, which prompted the Public Prosecution in Spain to reduce the proposed sentence from 7 years to four years in prison.
The details of the case indicate that the accused, who resides illegally in Spain, was involved with others in organizing a secret immigration trip to Almeria in exchange for large sums of money, as he aimed to achieve illicit gains by smuggling migrants. He took it upon himself to pilot the boat despite his lack of experience and technical knowledge, after receiving approximately 9,000 euros from each migrant, including the two minors, who sailed on the dawn of November 5, 2024.
The boat, which did not exceed 5.5 meters in length and was made of fiber, was equipped with an 80-horsepower engine and embarked on a dangerous journey without adequate safety equipment.
Endangering the lives of migrants
The investigations showed that a large part of the sailing operation took place at night without lighting or guidance and navigation systems, until the migrants were rescued at approximately 12:47 pm on the same day, about 2.25 kilometers from Cabo de Gata (Almeria), by the Spanish marine rescue vessel "Salvamar Spica".
The Public Prosecution explained that the accused endangered the lives of the passengers, as the boat was not equipped to face harsh sea conditions nor to carry a load of 17 people and eight fuel tanks with a capacity of 25 liters each. The situation was further complicated by the large maritime congestion in the area, which witnessed the passage of about 73 ships at the same time, in addition to the absence of rescue, navigation, and fire-fighting means necessary for the safety of the trip.
