Sun Sep 15 10:29:00 UTC 2024: ## Italian Deputy Prime Minister Faces Six-Year Jail Term for Blocking Migrant Rescue Ship
**Palermo, Italy** – Prosecutors in Palermo have requested a six-year jail sentence for Matteo Salvini, Italy’s deputy prime minister, over his decision in 2019 to prevent a ship carrying over 100 migrants from docking in Italy.
Salvini, who was serving as interior minister at the time, faced criticism for his refusal to allow the vessel, operated by the Spanish charity Open Arms, to land. The ship was stranded at sea for 19 days, with some passengers resorting to jumping overboard in desperation due to the dire humanitarian conditions on board.
The prosecution alleges that Salvini’s actions constituted kidnapping, citing the prolonged detention of the migrants at sea. The remaining 89 passengers were eventually allowed to disembark in Lampedusa following a court battle.
Salvini, the leader of Italy’s right-wing League party, could be banned from holding public office if convicted. His lawyers will present his defense case in mid-October, and a verdict is expected weeks later.
However, the Italian legal system operates in three stages, and a final decision will be made by a senior judge.
Salvini has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining on social media that he would do it again, stating “defending borders from illegal immigrants is not a crime.”
During his tenure as interior minister, Salvini made headlines for his tough stance on immigration, blocking numerous migrant rescue vessels from docking in Italy and accusing charities of facilitating human trafficking.
His current role as transport minister under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing government has seen him continue to express similar views.
Meloni has expressed her full support for Salvini, stating that it is “incredible” for a minister to face six years in prison for “doing his job of defending the nation’s borders.”
The charity Open Arms has welcomed the case, expressing hope for justice. The incident in 2019 sparked widespread debate over Italy’s immigration policies and the role of NGOs in migrant rescue operations.
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