Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini has been cleared of all charges by a Sicilian court related to his controversial decision in 2019 to block a migrant rescue ship from docking in Italy. The court rejected allegations of kidnapping and neglect of duty, dismissing the prosecution’s demand for a six-year prison term and over one million euros in damages.
The case arose from Salvini’s actions as Interior Minister when he refused to allow the Open Arms, a rescue vessel operated by a Spanish NGO, to dock in Italy. The ship had 147 migrants on board who had been rescued at sea, including 27 children. The migrants were left stranded near the island of Lampedusa for nearly three weeks. Salvini argued that his decision was necessary to protect Italy’s borders and reduce illegal immigration.
Following the court’s decision, Salvini expressed his relief and defended his actions. Speaking to public broadcaster RAI, he stated, “This ruling proves that protecting my country and controlling immigration is not a crime.” Salvini, who leads the right-wing Lega Party, has been a vocal supporter of stricter immigration policies, earning both praise and criticism domestically and internationally.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised the court’s ruling, describing it as a win for national sovereignty. She highlighted the need to continue efforts to combat illegal migration and safeguard Italy’s borders. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán also supported Salvini, emphasizing the importance of tougher immigration controls across Europe.
However, the verdict was met with criticism from Open Arms, the NGO involved in the case. Its founder, Oscar Camps, condemned the decision, saying, “Salvini may have been acquitted by the court, but not by history.” The organization has long argued that keeping migrants on the ship for weeks violated their human rights. Open Arms is considering an appeal once the court provides its full reasoning for the ruling.
Open Arms reaffirmed its commitment to justice for the migrants affected by the 2019 incident. The group stated, “The people detained on board are still waiting for accountability,” and called on the prosecutor’s office to appeal the decision to ensure justice is served.
Was Salvini’s decision the right one?
His supporters believe it was a necessary step to protect Italy’s borders and prevent illegal immigration. On the other hand, critics argue that it violated humanitarian principles and disregarded the rights of vulnerable individuals. The debate continues as Italy struggles to balance immigration control with upholding human rights.
Matteo Salvini’s acquittal has reignited discussions about immigration policies and human rights, highlighting the challenges of addressing migration in Europe.