top of page
Search

Cruelty at Sea

  • Writer: Mobile Refugee Support
    Mobile Refugee Support
  • Mar 24, 2024
  • 2 min read

Yesterday, the pullback tactics of the french police and gendarmerie were revealed. Shocking video footage showing policemen and military on speed boats purposefully endangering the lives of displaced people on dinghies. Such pullbacks and pushbacks are illegal. Yet they are strategies used and well documented both in the central Mediterranean by the EU funded so called Libyan coastguard and in the Aegean by Greek and Turkish police and coastguard.


While we were horrified to see the footage. We were not surprised. We have been hearing about the increasingly dangerous, violent and demeaning tactics of the French police force for months. In the accounts of those who come back from failed attempts at crossing the Channel there is invariably a story of police violence. More and more often we hear of how those behaviours go beyond the initial interception on the beach before anyone is in the water and extend to interceptions and endangerment in the water. Far from shore. Far enough that the water is deep enough for someone to drown.


The French authorities have already tried to justify these tactics as deterrents. As a means to an end to stop small boat crossings and "protect" those attempting the crossings.


Through the testimonies of the victims we know the result is not deterrence but rather more trauma, more cruelty and an even stronger wish to reach a place they think will be safe.


“The boat was already in the water. The police followed us into the water. They slashed the boat. We all fell in. I had water up to my neck. I was holding a baby above my head. I can’t swim.”


"They sprayed us with gas. All of us. Even the women and the children. There was a pregnant lady with us. They had already broken the boat. Why did they need to spray us as well"


"Can you give me shoes? Yesterday there was water in the boat. We used our shoes to try and take the water out. It was pointless, there was more and more water coming in"


"I have been here with my children for 3 months, we have been to the water many times. Every time they stopped us. Every time they are violent with me and my children. Do you think the policemen have children?"


"France no good, police no good"

 
 
 

12 Comments


Wuth Jergy
Wuth Jergy
Sep 25

Order fake diploma is popular nowdays, it will help you gain a good-salary position in the job market. No exams, no coursework! You can order a fake diploma online from https://www.edudiplomaonline.com/ within 7 days. It will save your time. This is small invest and big profits.

Like

judalyco
Sep 11

A reliable custom box supplier offers options for businesses of all sizes, from startups to established brands. They https://boxes4products.com/ understand the importance of packaging in marketing and brand communication. Good suppliers provide design support, sample creation, and flexible order quantities to meet different business needs effectively and affordably.

Like

judalyco
Sep 11

Altar tools are often central to ritual practice, providing a focal point for spiritual work. Candles, statues, and ritual cloths queenoftheforest create a sacred space where practitioners can meditate, pray, or perform ceremonies. The arrangement of these tools often reflects cosmic order or symbolic balance.

Like

tekamoli
Sep 08

Cooking at home is one of the most effective ways to take control of nutrition. Preparing meals allows you to choose fresh ingredients, control https://ezzday.com/ portion sizes, and avoid excess sugar or salt. Home-cooked meals often taste better and support long-term health goals.

Like

xeporano
Aug 29

At Rosedale Wellness Centre, your health journey feels supported from start to finish. The staff listen attentively, explain clearly, and create a plan that fits your lifestyle. https://www.rosedalewellness.com/ approach is professional without being intimidating, which makes care accessible and effective. The focus is always on long-term improvement, and the results speak for themselves over time.

Like
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Contact us via Email

Copyright © 2017 - 2022 Mobile Refugee Support

bottom of page