Matteo Salvini received widespread demonstrations of support on the eve of the Open Arms trial verdict. Italian and European politicians, and even the American entrepreneur Elon Musk, have expressed their solidarity with the deputy prime minister, accused of kidnapping and refusal of official acts for having prevented the disembarkation of 147 migrants rescued by the NGO Open Arms in 2019.
Musk criticizes the process
Elon Musk, through a post on his social network, defined Salvini’s trial as “absurd”, claiming that the League leader was simply defending Italy. This intervention by Musk brings international attention back to the case, amplifying the voices of those who consider Salvini’s trial a political exploitation.
Salvini calmly awaiting the verdict
Arriving in Palermo in the evening, Salvini chose to spend the eve of the verdict in a hotel, preferring concentration to participating in a League board meeting. Senator Nino Germanà, a member of the party in Sicily, reported having spoken with Salvini, describing him as calm and confident. In the courtroom, Salvini will be assisted by the lawyer Giulia Bongiorno.
Support from European allies
In Brussels, Salvini met Viktor Orbán and other members of the Patriots for Europe group, receiving their full support. The Hungarian leader expressed his solidarity with a tweet calling for “Justice for Matteo Salvini!”. The group also wore T-shirts with the words “Guilty of defending Italy”, publicly demonstrating their support for the Italian deputy prime minister.
Salvini confident in acquittal
Salvini said he was confident in an acquittal, reiterating that he had acted in line with the League’s electoral program and with the support of the entire government of the time. He also expressed concern about the possible consequences of a conviction, which he said would set a dangerous precedent for ministers across Europe and would be a “bad impression” for Italy. In case of conviction, Salvini reiterated his intention to remain in his place in the government and at the helm of the League.
Tajani hopes for acquittal
Antonio Tajani, Foreign Minister and deputy prime minister, also expressed the hope that Salvini will be acquitted, underlining the importance of not using justice for political ends and raising suspicions about the nature of the trial.
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