An Afghan man accused of smuggling migrants into the UK is fighting extradition to Belgium based on concerns over prison conditions, as reported in a recent court hearing. Ziarmal Khan, 25, faces allegations of being part of a migrant smuggling gang that operated routes from Afghanistan through Iran, Turkey, and the Balkans into Europe, including France and Belgium. Some members of the gang are suspected of transporting a large number of individuals using small boats to the UK.
Khan’s defense argues that sending him to a Belgian prison would violate his rights under the European Convention on Human Rights, specifically Article 3 which protects individuals from inhuman or degrading treatment. The conditions in Belgian prisons, including overcrowding, limited personal space, poor sanitation facilities, mosquito infestations, and flooding, are cited as reasons for denying the extradition.
The defense further highlights Khan’s lack of awareness about the legal proceedings against him until his arrest in the UK. Despite being wanted by an Antwerp court, uncertainties remain about the specific prison conditions he would face if extradited. The prosecution counters by stating that while some prison conditions may not meet current standards, they do not necessarily reach the threshold of inhumane treatment as defined by Article 3.
The case is ongoing, with the extradition decision pending.
