The European Commission has proposed harmonizing penalties so that the maximum sentences for cases where illegal activities result in the death of people would be increased from eight to a minimum of fifteen years.
The European Commission asked this Tuesday to strengthen legislation against the mafia involved in migrant trafficking, for which it has demanded a clear definition of the crime of trafficking in human beings in order to prosecute those who enrich themselves through illegal routes and penalties for at least 15 years in prison for the most serious cases which end with the deaths of those trying to reach the European Union.
Brussels wants to improve the regulatory framework in the European Union common minimum standards both to prevent the illegal transit of people and to counter the activities of mafias that facilitate irregular transit and residence on community land.
In this context, community services advocate this harmonize penalties against the most serious forms of migrant smuggling to increase the maximum sentences from 8 to at least 15 years for cases where illegal activities result in the death of people.
In view of this, it also warns of the need for one a clearer definition of the crime of smuggling that generate economic or material benefits, as well as when the activity has a high probability of causing serious harm to a person. Advertisements on social networks and other platforms that encourage illegal entry into the European Union should also be considered a crime under the Community Executive’s proposal.
Another key is that the jurisdiction of the Member States where the vessels or aircraft traveling the illegal route were registered in situations on the high seas, as well as in cases of crimes committed by legal entities operating in the EU.
Brussels clarifies at this point that the aim is to attack the mafia and therefore Activities such as humanitarian aid by NGOs should not be criminalizedwho have a legal obligation to search and rescue on the high seas, nor the help of family members or other migrants.
There is also a need to strengthen available resources and resources so that national authorities can combat mafias, in addition to promoting data collection and sharing.
Source: EITB
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
