The criminal organization allegedly aimed to commit a range of serious crimes, primarily targeting vulnerable migrants attempting to reach Europe. The charges against Walid relate to the organization’s involvement in human smuggling, violent crimes, and extortion. It is important to note that the case involves human smuggling (article 197a Dutch Penal Code), which is distinct from human trafficking (mensenhandel, article 273f), a charge not included in this case.
Migrants were reportedly transported from Libya across the Mediterranean Sea, often under dangerous and life-threatening conditions. Some were allegedly held hostage, with threats or acts of violence used to extort money from their families.
Walid faces multiple charges, including:
- Participation in a Criminal Organization (Article 140 Dutch Penal Code)
- Founding, heading, or managing a criminal group whose activities included serious crimes in multiple countries.
- Human Smuggling (Articles 197a paragraphs 1, 2, 4-6)
- Organizing or facilitating the illegal transportation of migrants into Europe from Libya.
- Hostage-Taking for Extortion (Article 282a)
- Taking individuals hostage to pressure family members into paying money.
- Extortion Through Violence or Threats (Article 317)
- Using threats or physical force to obtain money or other benefits from victims.
- Violent Crimes
- Threats of lethal violence, assaults, manslaughter, and other violent acts (Articles 285, 287, 300, 302).
- Violent Sexual Crimes
- Rape or sexual assault of one or more migrants (Article 242).
The charges reflect the serious nature of the alleged participation in a criminal organization aimed at committing offences involving human exploitation, violence, and other serious crimes.
The Pearce case is closely linked to the case of Zekarias Habtemariam Kidane, another human smuggling case involving Eritrean migrants. Kidane, along with his associate Tewelde Goitom (also known as Walid), is accused of leading a criminal network that trafficked thousands of migrants from East Africa to Europe. Victims were reportedly held in camps in Libya, subjected to abuse and extortion, and in some cases, killed.
Kidane was arrested in Sudan and held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since January 2023 after escaping Ethiopian justice, where he had been convicted in absentia for his crimes. The Dutch authorities have sought to join his case with that of Goitom, and are looking to extradite him to the Netherlands to face charges before Dutch courts.
The District Court of Zwolle has taken measures to ensure transparency and accessibility:
- Livestream: Hearings are broadcast in Dutch, English, and Tigrinya.
- Courtrooms:
- Courtroom 1: For judges, the accused, lawyers, victims, interpreters, journalists, and court staff.
- Courtroom 2: For public attendance, including members of the Eritrean community.
Interpretation: Headsets are provided to those attending in person who require interpretation.
- Location: District Court of Zwolle, The Netherlands
- Livestream: Dutch, English, Tigrinya
- Public Attendance: Public attendance is encouraged, and the court has provided a separate courtroom for the general public, featuring headsets for interpretation.
- More Information: For more information about attending the hearing or to connect with us regarding the case, reach out at mail@nuhanovicfoundation.org.
The Nuhanovic Foundation is actively monitoring the trial and raising awareness of its developments. Our work focuses on:
- Community Outreach: Informing the Eritrean community and the general public about the case and its implications.
- Trial Monitoring: Monitoring and reporting on court proceedings to ensure transparency.
- Support and Collaboration: Engaging with community organizations and individuals interested in following or supporting the case.
We encourage members of the Eritrean community, researchers, journalists, and the public to attend hearings, follow the livestream, and reach out to us for more information or collaboration.