Accessibility links

Breaking News

Afghan Sikhs In Airless Container 'For 18 Hours'


Afghanistan's 3,000-member Sikh community has endured a long history of religious discrimination and harassment.
Afghanistan's 3,000-member Sikh community has endured a long history of religious discrimination and harassment.

The translator of Sikh families found in a shipping container in Britain says they were trapped in darkness without fresh air for 18 hours.

The group of Afghan Sikhs arrived at Tilbury Docks, Essex, a port east of London, on August 16 on a ship from Belgium.

One man was found dead and the other 34 survivors, including 13 children, suffered dehydration and hypothermia.

Kamaljit Singh Mataharu, a translator used by police, told ITV News television that there were 15 families inside, all from Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, who had made it to Europe in a truck.

He said the group was fleeing persecution in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan's 3,000-member Sikh community has endured a long history of religious discrimination and harassment.

The Home Office said all 34 survivors were in the process of claiming asylum in Britain.

Based on reporting by AFP and theguardian.com
XS
SM
MD
LG