Members of a Kurdistan Region judicial delegation inspect a site in northern France linked to the killing of two Kurdish migrants, during a visit to support ongoing investigations.
KRG justice delegation visits France to probe killing of two Kurdish migrants
BAGHDAD — A Kurdistan Regional Government justice delegation traveled to France this month to investigate the killing of two Kurdish migrants and to complete judicial procedures tied to the case, as authorities intensify efforts to combat human trafficking, the KRG Ministry of Justice said.
The ministry said the visit took place from Dec. 15 to 17 and included representatives from the Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Justice and Judicial Council. The delegation was tasked with following up on legal aspects of the case and coordinating with French authorities.
According to the statement, the delegation included Jiman Mohammed Ahmed, representing the Ministry of Justice and serving as the public prosecution judge responsible for extradition case files, Judge Dr. Awat Haji, head of the Kirkuk–Garmiyan Criminal Court, and Judge Dana Mahmoud Hamsalih, an investigative judge at Sulaymaniyah Court No. 8.
During the visit, the delegation toured courts and public prosecution offices in Dunkirk and Coquelles and held meetings with judges and judicial and security officials. The ministry said the team also carried out an on-site inspection at one of the incident locations in coordination with border police in Coquelles.
The ministry said the delegation provided French judicial authorities with detailed explanations related to the cases, including information concerning the presence of Kurdish refugees, while emphasizing that the Kurdistan Regional Government is taking firm measures to combat human trafficking and has adopted legal steps to address the issue.
Information obtained by 964media indicates the case involves the killing of two citizens from the Kurdistan Region who died while attempting to migrate illegally to Britain through French waters. The deaths are suspected to be linked to clashes between human smuggling gangs and trafficking networks operating in the area.
Investigations have also examined the possible involvement of other Kurdish asylum seekers. The ministry said the delegation’s role included providing French authorities with detailed information aimed at clearly distinguishing the victims from individuals suspected of involvement as smugglers or accomplices.