Sun Sep 15 14:19:48 UTC 2024: ## Italian Deputy PM Salvini Faces Six-Year Sentence for Blocking Migrant Rescue Ship
**Palermo, Sicily** – Italian prosecutors have requested a six-year prison sentence for Matteo Salvini, the country’s far-right deputy prime minister, for his role in blocking a migrant rescue ship at sea in 2019. Salvini, who was interior minister at the time, refused to allow the Open Arms charity vessel, carrying 147 rescued migrants, to disembark at any Italian port for nearly three weeks.
The trial, which began in October 2021, has focused on allegations of deprivation of liberty and abuse of office against Salvini. Prosecutors argued that Salvini’s actions resulted in a “humanitarian emergency” onboard the ship, where sanitary conditions deteriorated and a scabies outbreak occurred. Some migrants even jumped into the sea in desperation to reach land.
Prosecutor Geri Ferrara told the Palermo court that “between human rights and the protection of state sovereignty, it is human rights that must prevail.” He argued that a safe port should have been provided immediately, and Salvini’s decision to refuse was a violation of the law.
Salvini, known for his “Italians first” policy and his opposition to illegal immigration, has defended his actions, claiming he was prioritizing national security and taking a tough stance against human trafficking. He is facing a similar trial related to another migrant rescue ship incident in 2019.
A verdict in the current trial could come next month. Salvini will be able to appeal any decision.
First Piper 