On Sunday, French authorities disclosed that the majority of the 303 Indian nationals on the flight bound for Nicaragua, suspected of being victims of human trafficking, are anticipated to be granted permission to continue their journey and depart from France on Monday, according to information from French judicial sources.
Reports indicate that on Sunday, four French judges commenced questioning the passengers to confirm the "conditions and purposes" of their travel. The reports further state that they have a two-day timeframe to complete the interrogation of the passengers.
The judges have the authority to extend the initial border police detention order by eight days, with an additional eight days if needed. They aim to complete interviews with the passengers within a two-day timeframe.
Annick Browne, the prosecutor for the Chalons-en-Champagne region, mentioned, "The objective is to interview everyone," as reported by AFP.
However, The Paris Prosecutor’s Office announced that the immobilised plane at Châlons-Vatry airport is permitted to leave Marne. The final destination remains uncertain, raising questions about whether it will return to the UAE, proceed to Nicaragua's capital, Managua, or if the Indian nationals will be deported to India.
In a press release, the Marne prefecture announced “This decision makes it possible to consider the rerouting of passengers placed in the waiting zone in the airport,” however, it didn’t give details of any destination.
The prefecture stated, “Therefore, the competent authorities of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) are working to obtain the necessary authorisations for the aircraft to take off again, which should take place no later than Monday morning.”
What we know so far?
- The unmarked white Airbus A340, operated as a chartered plane by Romania-based Legend Airlines, is still grounded on the tarmac. Additionally, tarpaulin covers the entrance hall's glass exterior and nearby administrative buildings, with access restricted by police and gendarmes.
- Passengers of the flight held by French Authorities included 11 unaccompanied minors, with the youngest passenger being a 21-month-old toddler and oldest being just 17 years, as stated by Paris prosecutors.
- Since Friday, two passengers have been detained to investigate whether their role in this transport might differ from others, and to ascertain the conditions and objectives associated with their involvement. Media reports have stated that two passengers have been detained since Friday "to verify" whether their role "may have been different than the others in this transport, and under what conditions and with what objectives."
- According to a source close to the case, ten passengers have sought asylum.
- The passengers were granted access to toilets and showers, and meals along with hot drinks were provided in the airport hall, according to a statement from a spokeswoman for the Marne prefect's office.
- The airport is under lockdown, resulting in the cancellation of flight operations.
- The 30 crew members were not detained. Some managed the Dubai-Vatry leg, while others were scheduled to take over for the flight to Managua. Flightradar24 indicates that Legend Airlines operates with just four planes.
The Indian Embassy in France responded
India, on Saturday, stated its collaboration with the French government for an early resolution after French authorities detained a Nicaragua-bound flight with 303 passengers, predominantly Indians, during a technical halt near Paris due to suspected "human trafficking."
In a post on 'X,' the Indian mission conveyed that French authorities informed them about the detention of a plane with 303 people, mostly of Indian origin, traveling from Dubai to Nicaragua during a technical halt at a French airport.
The Indian embassy in Paris on Saturday posted on X that "embassy consular staff" are on site to work with French authorities "for the welfare" of detained passengers for an "early resolution of the situation."
Consular staff from the embassy were stationed at the airport, as confirmed by the mission on X. The mission expressed gratitude to French authorities for their efforts during the extended holiday weekend.
On Friday, the embassy team reached the location, secured consular access, and is actively investigating the situation while ensuring the well-being of the passengers, as stated by the mission.
About the Plane Held In France
On 21 December, The Airbus A340, en route to Nicaragua, wad held at Vatry airport on located 150 kilometers east of Paris, since Thursday when it arrived from Dubai for refuelling.
The prosecutor's office revealed that an anonymous tip suggested the flight might be carrying individuals at risk of human trafficking. Upon landing in France, the passengers were initially kept on the aircraft, but later they were allowed to deboard the aeroplane. They were provided individual beds in the terminal building.
Suspecting the possibility of 'human trafficking,' the French anti-organised crime unit JUNALCO assumed control of the investigation. Border police and aviation gendarmes have also been engaged in the case.
Patrick Jaloux, the head of civil protection in the Marne region, mentioned that the passengers, understandably, are "frustrated" after spending three nights in the airport. He noted that some spoke Hindi, India's national language, while others spoke Tamil, which is spoken in southern India and parts of Sri Lanka.
According to reports, the prefecture mentioned that the plane landed in France for refueling and had 303 Indian nationals on board, likely employed in the UAE. Indian passengers may be travelling with the intention of reaching Central America, from where they could attempt illegal entry into the United States or Canada.
French authorities conducted identity checks on the 303 passengers and the cabin crew who were on board the flight. Specialised French organised crime unit investigators, along with border police and aviation gendarmes, are actively working on the case.
In adherence to French law, border police in France can detain a foreign national for an initial period of up to four days upon landing if they are unable to proceed to their intended destination. This duration can be extended to eight days with judicial approval, and under exceptional circumstances, an additional eight days can be granted, resulting in a maximum detention period of 26 days.
Following this, the passengers appeared before judges throughout the day, after which the judges decided to allow their departure on Monday, and not to extend their detention at the airport.
Photo: Multiple Agencies
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