Overview

• Utopia 56 lodged a complaint on July 8 for involuntary manslaughter and omission of assistance against unnamed French border officers.
• The filing relies on a Disclose and NGO Index investigation showing officers deployed tear gas at close range, prompting Jumaa al-Hassan to enter the Canal de l’Aa during a March 2024 interception.
• Witnesses and Utopia 56 contend that police near the scene failed to render aid or search for al-Hassan despite alerts from migrants and volunteers.
• The 31-year-old Syrian’s body was recovered on March 18, 2024 in the canal, confirming he drowned after entering the water.
• Lille’s interregional specialized jurisdiction has acknowledged tear gas use in its probe but has not yet interviewed any officers involved in the operation.