top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Mother sues over son's Syria flight

Family seek €110,000 in damages from police for allowing 16-year-old to leave France for jihad

A MOTHER whose 16-year-old son ran away from France to fight in Syria is seeking €110,000 in damages from the French state, claiming police failed to take action.

The teenager had recently converted to Islam and, his mother says, showed no sign of being radicalised when he was reported missing on December 27, 2013.

He made it through passport control at Nice airport and managed to board a flight to Turkey without an accompanying adult or any luggage.

The mother-of-five's lawyer, Samia Maktouf, said: "This minor managed to leave France for Turkey, the gateway to Syria, without the police worrying at all. The police have committed a serious error.

"The damages payment isn't our main goal. We simply want there to be recognition that an error has been committed. These departures for jihad must stop."

The interior ministry says border police carried out the necessary ID check - and the state cannot be held responsible as the passenger was not known as a risk and did not appear on any no-fly list.

The case will be heard in the Paris tribunal administratif on Tuesday.

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France