Italian prosecutors in Palermo have accused former interior minister Matteo Salvini of alleged kidnapping for his role in leaving a migrant rescue ship stranded at sea for 19 days in 2019. The ship, operated by charity Open Arms, was carrying over 100 migrants when Salvini refused to allow it to dock in Italy.
Salvini has defended his decision, stating that he was enforcing his government’s hardline immigration policies. However, prosecutors in Palermo argue that his actions constitute a violation of international law and human rights, as well as a failure to fulfill his duty to protect the lives of those on board.
The incident in question took place in August 2019 when Salvini, who was serving as interior minister in Italy’s coalition government at the time, closed Italian ports to migrant rescue ships, including the Open Arms vessel. The ship was left stranded at sea for 19 days before being allowed to dock in Lampedusa.
The accusations against Salvini have sparked a debate in Italy over the treatment of migrants and the responsibilities of government officials in handling immigration issues. Salvini, who is also facing separate charges of defamation and abuse of power in a separate case, has remained defiant in the face of the accusations, maintaining that his actions were in the best interests of Italy.
The case against Salvini is expected to be closely watched as it could have implications for Italy’s immigration policies and the treatment of migrants in the country. The trial is set to begin in September, with Salvini facing up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
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