Elevate your local knowledge
Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!
Imam jailed for getting boats for migrants in France
PARIS – A French court has convicted an Iranian Kurdish imam living in France for furnishing rubber boats to migrants trying to cross the English Channel.
The court in the northern city of Boulogne-Sur-Mer sentenced Mohammad Baraeikechighaleshi to two years in prison with a third year suspended.
His lawyer said Tuesday the 39-year-old is considering an appeal.
Lawyer Marie-Alice Fasquelle-Leonetti said her client, who served as imam outside Rouen, was a political refugee and stopped providing boats once he learned their real use.
A friend he enlisted, Mouhamed Wagui, was sentenced to 18 months with half suspended.
Last year migrants began trying a new route to Britain, navigating small boats across the busy Channel.
News from © iNFOnews.ca, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Join the Conversation!
Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?
You must be logged in to post a comment.
