Latest news with #modernslavery
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Ecuador apologizes to plantation workers who were exposed to 'modern slavery' conditions
QUITO, Ecuador (AP) — Ecuador's government issued a public apology on Saturday to a group of plantation workers who were subjected to slave-like conditions according to a ruling issued last year by the country's Constitutional Court. In an event held near the presidential palace in Quito, various members of Ecuador's Cabinet recognized that more than 300 workers of a Japanese-owned abaca plantation were forced to live in conditions of 'modern slavery' with Labor Minister Ivone Nuñez pledging that Ecuador will strive to 'build a state that guarantees the human rights of workers.' The apology issued by government officials is one of the reparation measures ordered by the court last year. In the ruling, the Constitutional Court determined that between 1963 and 2019 workers of the Japanese company Furukawa were forced to live in dormitories without basic services at a plantation in western Ecuador, where accidents were common due to the lack of safety training. Former employees of Furukawa attended Saturday's ceremony along with their lawyers, who have accused the company of not paying reparations to the workers who were affected by the harsh conditions at its plantation in Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas province. Furukawa representatives were not immediately available for comment. The company changed owners in 2014, and it has said that conditions have changed since then. Furukawa has also asked Ecuador's government to lift a ban on the sale of its properties in Ecuador so that it can pay reparations to workers. The abaca plant, which is also known as manila hemp, is used to make specialty papers, ropes and fishing nets. The plant resembles a banana plant, but its fruits are not edible. Ecuador is the world's largest exporter of bananas and is also among a handful of countries that produces large quantities of abaca,
Associated Press
5 days ago
- General
- Associated Press
Ecuador apologizes to plantation workers who were exposed to 'modern slavery' conditions
QUITO, Ecuador (AP) — Ecuador's government issued a public apology on Saturday to a group of plantation workers who were subjected to slave-like conditions according to a ruling issued last year by the country's Constitutional Court. In an event held near the presidential palace in Quito, various members of Ecuador's Cabinet recognized that more than 300 workers of a Japanese-owned abaca plantation were forced to live in conditions of 'modern slavery' with Labor Minister Ivone Nuñez pledging that Ecuador will strive to 'build a state that guarantees the human rights of workers.' The apology issued by government officials is one of the reparation measures ordered by the court last year. In the ruling, the Constitutional Court determined that between 1963 and 2019 workers of the Japanese company Furukawa were forced to live in dormitories without basic services at a plantation in western Ecuador, where accidents were common due to the lack of safety training. Former employees of Furukawa attended Saturday's ceremony along with their lawyers, who have accused the company of not paying reparations to the workers who were affected by the harsh conditions at its plantation in Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas province. Furukawa representatives were not immediately available for comment. The company changed owners in 2014, and it has said that conditions have changed since then. Furukawa has also asked Ecuador's government to lift a ban on the sale of its properties in Ecuador so that it can pay reparations to workers. The abaca plant, which is also known as manila hemp, is used to make specialty papers, ropes and fishing nets. The plant resembles a banana plant, but its fruits are not edible. Ecuador is the world's largest exporter of bananas and is also among a handful of countries that produces large quantities of abaca,
BBC News
27-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
High Wycombe man who enslaved and sexually abused women jailed
A man who subjected two women to sexual abuse and enslaved one of them has been jailed for nearly three Arshad was sentenced to 27 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of modern slavery and sexual assault 47-year-old, of Chairborough Road, High Wycombe, was sentenced at Aylesbury Crown Court on Friday following an eight-day trial last Con Emily Sendall, from Thames Valley Police, said Arshad had committed "truly horrendous" crimes. During trial it was found that Arshad had subjected two women to a campaign of sexual abuse between January 2018 and July 2019 and 2024, he held one of the women in servitude, raping and assaulting her."Muhammad Arshad was a well-respected man in the community until this offending was uncovered," Det Con Sendall was found guilty of one count of modern slavery, seven counts of rape, two counts of assault, one count of common assault, three counts of sexual assault and one count of threatening to disclose a private sexual image. Some of the rape counts included multiple offences of was acquitted of two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and one count of assault. 'Incredible bravery' "During our investigation, we were able to evidence the years of abuse," added Det Con praised the victims for having the courage to come forward."I would like to thank the victims for their incredible bravery and providing evidence," she said."If you are a victim of a sexual offence or have information about sexual offences, please contact the force."We have specially trained officers who will listen and support you." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- The Sun
Popular sea shanty band who play Glastonbury are at centre of SLAVERY probe after cops raid caravan park
A SEA-SHANTY band is at the centre of a major modern slavery probe which was uncovered after their minibus was involved in a crash. Six members of The Old Time Sailors, a 20-piece folk music group which has played at Glastonbury, were nicked after their van hit trees near their base in Devon. 2 It follows claims that musicians, including fiddlers, banjo strummers and accordion squeezers, were being kept in a caravan park near Tiverton for little or no wages. It is understood that the group's leader may have fled and is being sought by cops. The band who are due to play Camp Bestival festival as well as a number of O2 arenas in Birmingham, Manchester and Bristol this summer, have been forced to cancel their upcoming gigs in Cornwall. One venue WAX in Watergate Bay said: 'So, a little curveball for tonight – due to some unforeseen circumstances, we've had to switch up our planned music.' Pictures showed the van crashed into trees following the accident involving a lorry around 7.30am on Monday. It is understood they were returning from a 10pm gig in Liverpool the night before and had driven through the night before the prang. No one was hurt but cops at the scene identified several people in the van as possible victims of exploitation. Officers then searched the band's caravan park in the hamlet of Gulworthy near Tiverton and identified more potential victims, numbering eight in total who are now being 'safeguarded'. Devon and Cornwall Police sergeant Thomas Ottley said: 'As part of our response to the initial incident, we identified several of the occupants of the van as being potential victims of exploitation offences. 'They are receiving specialist support and being safeguarded at this time. Fans slam Glastonbury as 'worst one ever' as full lineup announced 'Shortly after, officers carried out a search at an address in the Gulworthy area which led to the identification of further potential victims. 'We worked alongside the local authority and partner agencies yesterday in safeguarding these individuals and their support was very much appreciated. 'As part of this investigation, we have arrested six males on suspicion of modern-day slavery offences. 'They are currently in police custody assisting us with our enquiries.' The six arrested were later bailed as enquiries continue. In an update yesterday (Thurs), cops said: 'The six individuals who were arrested have all been bailed. 'The identified victims are being supported by specially trained officers and are receiving multi-agency support. Enquiries are ongoing.' The band, which plays classic shanties including Galway Girl and The Wild Rover, have been accused of not paying its musicians. An official statement from the band described the modern slavery claims as 'scandalous accusations, speculation and fabrications' and part of 'an online hate campaign'. It added: 'The sad fact is a certain crew member parted ways with the band, and following this we received a very threatening email. 'We didn't respond, and then suddenly it happened. Accusations, lies, horror stories and ruinous allegations. 'We will instead focus on what we have put all our efforts into; the music and performing. We love our fans so thank you for all the support and we hope to see you at a show soon.' 2
BBC News
20-05-2025
- BBC News
Burton-on-Trent man jailed for using teenagers to transport drugs
A man who used teenagers to transport drugs on the rail network has been jailed for 10 years, following a county lines Illsley, 28, of Beresford Close, Burton-on-Trent, pleaded guilty on 10 March to two counts of modern day slavery and two counts of supplying Class A was sentenced to seven years and six months at Stafford Crown Court on was also sentenced to two years and six months for a separate count of conspiracy to supply crack cocaine, which he must serve consecutively. British Transport Police said officers noticed two vulnerable 16-year-old boys at Blackpool station on 13 December found one in possession of 50 wraps of cocaine, 39 wraps of heroin, a burner phone and £300 in cash, and the other was carrying a boys told officers they were more than 130 miles from questioning revealed they were being exploited and controlled to deal drugs for Illsley who was behind the operation, police added the were returned home and Illsley was identified through phone messages and arrested."Illsley is a nasty individual, who, despite being a father himself, coerced and exploited children into travelling miles from home to sell drugs," Det Supt Craig Payne said."We take a zero tolerance stance against anyone who profits from the exploitation of children."Just like with Illsley, we will relentlessly pursue those who target the vulnerable and safeguard their victims." Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
