Human Trafficking Trial Unfolds in Bordeaux
The Bordeaux criminal court is currently hearing a case involving human trafficking linked to the exploitation of Moroccan workers in local wine estates. The defendants, Ahmed and el Mehdi Genna, a father-son duo from Morocco, are accused of promising six victims a better life in France in exchange for 12,000 euros. They allegedly assured them of permanent residence permits, stable jobs with a salary of 1,500 euros, and suitable housing. However, the reality was starkly different. Victims described living in cramped, unsanitary conditions with cold showers and dirty mattresses on the floor. They faced a grueling work schedule in the vineyards, receiving no pay for 18 days of labor.
One victim, who had been a mechanic in Morocco, recounted his harrowing experience, stating, "I accepted because I dreamed of a better life in France." He detailed the exploitation he and others faced, which included extreme work hours with only a 15-minute lunch break. The first to file a complaint in September 2022, he highlighted the dire living conditions and lack of compensation for their labor.
In response, Ahmed Genna has vehemently denied the accusations, claiming that the accommodations were clean and that the workers deliberately made them dirty to support their claims. He contends that the victims were incapable of handling the workload and accused them of colluding to obtain residence permits through their complaints. The trial continues with further testimonies and legal arguments expected in the coming days.
- ## Fatal Defenestration Case Linked to Drug Trafficking In a separate but equally troubling case, the Bordeaux Assize Court is hearing the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of Stéphanie M., a 31-year-old woman who fell from her fourth-floor apartment in February 2021. The incident has led to charges against Kamel Z. and Naissé D. for **kidnapping followed by death** and extortion. Stéphanie, who struggled with addiction to drugs and alcohol, was found dead after reportedly shouting for help. The investigation revealed a complex web of relationships and circumstances that culminated in her death. Kamel Z., who has a long criminal history, was found in the apartment with Stéphanie at the time of her fall. Witnesses reported seeing him behind her just before she fell, raising questions about whether she was pushed. The autopsy indicated that she was under the influence of drugs, complicating the narrative surrounding her death. Naissé D. is also implicated in the events leading up to the tragedy, having reportedly used Stéphanie's bank card to withdraw money during the chaos. The defense for both accused has been inconsistent, with varying accounts of the events leading to the fatal incident. The court proceedings are ongoing, with both defendants expected to provide further explanations in the coming days.
