Fourteen men have gone on trial in France over a deadly English Channel crossing that killed migrants and asylum seekers, including people from Ethiopia and Egypt.
The case relates to the November 2021 disaster in which 27 people died after an inflatable boat carrying migrants towards the United Kingdom deflated in the Channel.
Two people survived, while four others remained unaccounted for.
African migrants among Channel victims
The victims were mainly Iraqi Kurds.
However, people from Ethiopia and Egypt were also among those who died. Other victims came from Afghanistan and Vietnam.
They ranged in age from seven to 46.
The incident became the deadliest recorded disaster involving asylum seekers attempting to cross the Channel between France and Britain.
14 defendants face charges in France
Investigators say Afghan and Iraqi Kurdish smuggling networks organised the crossing from camps in northern France.
The 14 defendants face charges including manslaughter and facilitating illegal immigration as part of an organised group.
Nine defendants appeared when the trial opened in Paris. One was in custody.
Two others are being tried in absentia after avoiding French authorities.
The trial is expected to continue for three weeks.
Prosecutors focus on condition of boat
Prosecutors allege that those responsible sent the migrants into the Channel aboard an overcrowded and unsuitable inflatable boat.
They also say the vessel lacked adequate life jackets.
A survivor described how passengers began removing water from the boat during the early hours before it eventually capsized.
Rescue response also under scrutiny
Questions have also been raised about the response of French and British rescue services.
An inquiry in the United Kingdom concluded in February that some of the deaths could have been avoided. It found that a French naval vessel failed to respond to an alert from the UK coastguard.
Despite numerous distress calls to British and French authorities, nearly 12 hours passed before the boat was located.
The Paris trial will now examine the alleged role of the defendants in organising the fatal crossing.