French Farmer Charged with Human Trafficking, Exploiting Moroccan Workers

On site, the reality is quite different: they are housed in unsanitary accommodation, subjected to a frantic work pace and paid a pittance. One of them, having received only 1,500 euros for eleven months of work, even tried to commit suicide.

The farm operator is appearing before the Agen Criminal Court this Wednesday, December 18 for human trafficking and undeclared work, reports La Dépêche. She faces up to ten years in prison. The defense lawyer, Me Sylvia Goudenege-Chauvin, denounces appalling living conditions: "They lived seven in 10 m², with one toilet and one hotplate for 20 and a shower always clogged." An labor inspection report confirms the deplorable state of the accommodation.

"One evening, the neighbor came to bring them blankets, because they were freezing to death," says Me Goudenege-Chauvin. Despite illness, her client was forced to work tirelessly. Deeply marked by this traumatic experience, he found refuge with charitable people. The other victims, mostly under 30 years old, will be represented by Me Younes Derkaoui.