Greece boat tragedy case: Top human smuggler sentenced to 19 years

The main figure involved in the 2023 Greece boat tragedy has been handed a heavy sentence by the Gujranwala Special Judge Central, marking a significant moment in Pakistan’s fight against human trafficking. 

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the court sentenced Choudhry Sajjad to a total of 19 years in prison and imposed a fine of Rs13 lakh.

Choudhry Sajjad was the principal smuggler behind the fatal incident in which two young men, Hassan Raza and Ali Raza, drowned while attempting to reach Italy by sea from Libya. The victims’ father, Mahmood Ahmed, had filed a complaint with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), prompting a detailed investigation into the smuggling operation.

The court found that the accused had illegally received Rs44 lakh to facilitate the transfer of the two young men. The smuggler’s reckless actions directly led to the tragic deaths, highlighting the dangers of human trafficking networks operating through the Mediterranean.

Director Muhammad Bin Ashraf stated that the case involved meticulous investigation and prosecution, which ensured that the main culprit received a substantial sentence. He added that other individuals involved in human smuggling in the region have also been prosecuted and received maximum penalties under the law.

Reporter: Zahid Iqbal Rana