The Italian government is moving forward with plans to transfer migrants to Albania using the navy’s Libra ship, even though courts have ruled against the plan and the costs are high. The transfers will begin again this week, 20 days after being paused. The first mission was stopped when two migrants were sent back after being found under 18, and the remaining 12 returned after a ruling by a Rome court.
On October 18, the Immigration Court in Rome refused to approve holding migrants in Albania. The Bologna Court also sent a decree on ‘safe countries’ to the European Court of Justice for review. These decisions have led to a growing conflict between the government and the judiciary.
Due to these tensions, Judge Silvia Albano, who was among the six judges who refused to approve the detentions, has been given extra security after receiving death threats. Guards now watch her home and workplace. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also shared that she had received threats.
Giuseppe Santalucia, head of the Italian National Association of Magistrates (ANM), defended the Bologna court’s choice to seek guidance from the EU, saying it was not political. A group of lawyers also supported this view, writing that it was “impossible” to see the ruling as a political act.
Opposition leaders like Nicola Fratoianni from the Greens and Left Alliance called the plan an “expensive propaganda move.” Meanwhile, Manfred Weber, leader of the European People’s Party (EPP), supported the plan and said in La Stampa that new ideas like the Albanian model need time to work and can help break up illegal migration routes.
The high cost of the plan has also raised concerns. The government has set aside €9 million a year to house 300 officers in four-star hotels in Albania. Interior Ministry sources said this amount is the maximum estimate if all officers are used and that hotel choices meet union standards.
Italy’s Court of Auditors is now looking into claims by Italia Viva and the Five Star Movement that using the Libra ship to transport just 16 migrants was a misuse of money. The auditors have started a preliminary review, which could lead to further investigations.