Displaying items by tag: criminal gangs

The ongoing migrant crisis has reshaped France’s northern coast, especially Boulogne. French rescue workers and officials are witnessing a tragic pattern of migrants fleeing death only to perish in dangerous Channel crossings. While both France and the UK condemn smuggling gangs, their responses differ. British authorities emphasise the criminality of smugglers, but French officials and citizens focus on the migrants’ motives, blaming the UK's loosely-regulated job market as a magnet for desperate people. The smugglers continue to adapt, launching boats from inland and resorting to violence. The French feel burdened by a crisis they see as Britain’s responsibility. Despite its significance, the issue gets less media coverage in France due to its own political challenges. Interior minister Gerald Darmanin continues to call for a new treaty between the UK and the EU; efforts against smugglers alone will not suffice to solve the issue.

Amid freezing temperatures, criminal gangs have been condemned for their reckless actions in transporting around 200 migrants across the English Channel in dangerously cold conditions. The gangs have been criticised for their complete disregard for the safety of the migrants, using flimsy boats in treacherous weather, risking fatal outcomes. This risky crossing follows the recent tragic loss of five lives. The GB News' security editor highlighted how these gangs reduce the number of people per boat in bad weather, emphasising the perilous nature of these journeys. An investigation into 'aggravated manslaughter' has been launched following the recent capsising incident, underscoring the life-threatening risks involved. The Prime Minister's Rwanda bill, aimed at addressing this crisis, was passed by the House of Commons despite strong opposition and concerns over its compatibility with international law.

Haiti is in such a bad political, economic and security crisis that the USA has urged its citizens to leave the country. The government authorised prime minister Henry to ask the world for military help to stop gangs paralysing the country and causing a major humanitarian disaster. Powerful gangs have blocked the country's main fuel terminal since September, crippling basic water and food supplies. It is not clear to whom the request for intervention has been sent, and in what form the help would be given. The UN said, ‘We remain extremely concerned about the security situation in Haiti and the impact it is having on the Haitian people and on our ability to do our work, especially in the humanitarian sphere.’ Eight people died recently from cholera, raising concerns of a potential health crisis. Pray for the USA to act on Haiti’s previous request for a humanitarian corridor to restore fuel distribution.

Danish authorities, struggling to quell a wave of bombings attributed to Swedish gangs, have introduced passport controls at the border with Sweden for the first time since the 1950s. Sweden has been rocked by more than 100 explosions in the first 10 months of this year, and another 13 blasts have rocked Copenhagen as well. The Swedish problem is directly correlated to their open arms policy for immigrants and refugees, especially those fleeing North Africa and the Middle East. Many consider the rise of the nationalist right in Europe is a direct result of politicians’ immigration policies. Pray against what many believe is the coming wave of a possible violent backlash.