Spanish police have apprehended 19 individuals suspected of murder and torture following the disappearance of over 50 people from a migrant boat en route from Senegal to the Canary Islands. Authorities believe some of the missing individuals were labeled as “witches” amidst various challenges faced during the journey, such as engine failure, inclement weather, and food shortages.
The wooden vessel was rescued south of Gran Canaria on August 24, with 248 survivors aboard, according to the Spanish National Police. Officials estimate that approximately 300 people were initially on the boat, suggesting that some may have been thrown overboard during the voyage.
Survivors reported to police that certain passengers engaged in violent behavior, attacking and abusing others. Instances included throwing migrants into the sea and neglecting to aid those who accidentally fell overboard. Additionally, suspected killings were reported, primarily associated with individuals voicing dissent regarding the trip’s conditions. One male passenger later died in a hospital after being found in critical condition when the vessel was intercepted.
The group comprised migrants from several countries, including Senegal, Guinea, Mali, Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea-Bissau. The 19 suspects currently face pretrial detention on charges related to facilitating irregular immigration, homicide, assault, and torture.
Spain serves as a primary entry point for irregular migration into Europe, with many migrants attempting to reach the Canary Islands. In 2024, nearly 47,000 migrants arrived in the archipelago, marking a record influx, although the number has significantly decreased in the current year, as reported by the Spanish Interior Ministry.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8jm11lmx71o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss