In Italy, Matteo Salvini is accused of kidnapping and abuse of power, after blocking the Spanish humanitarian ship Open Arms, with nearly 150 migrants on board including 32 minors, off the coast of Lampedusa in 2019. A six-year prison sentence was requested against him on Saturday, September 14.
With our correspondent in Rome, Anne Le Nir
The Open Arms NGO ship case was only resolved on August 20, 2019, thanks to the intervention of the Italian justice system, which ordered the disembarkation of the 147 migrants for health reasons. Since then, Matthew Salvini has consistently justified his actions, claiming that he acted for the good of his country by protecting its borders and security.
Prosecutors at the Palermo court explained in detail that ” The former Minister of the Interior did not respect any fundamental human rights, preferring to venture into illegitimate and serious administrative acts at the criminal level ». « The basic principle of international conventions is that, even in times of war, rescues at sea are obligatory. “, they insisted.
« A political trial »
Also read‘Open Arms’ trial: Matteo Salvini claims he defended Italy by blocking migrants at sea
- RFI
