Italian activists face trial for migrant sea rescue in legal first

Reuters

For the first time in Italy, six members of a charity rescue ship are being put on trial for allegedly helping illegal immigration.

The case involves a 2020 mission by the Mare Jonio, a ship run by the NGO Mediterranea, which brought 27 stranded migrants to Sicily after rescuing them from a tanker that had been stuck at sea for over a month.

Among those charged are the ship's commander, a doctor, and co-founder Luca Casarini, a well-known left-wing activist. They all deny any wrongdoing, saying they acted out of humanitarian duty.

Prosecutors claim the rescue was financially motivated, pointing to a donation from the tanker’s operator. The charity says the money was a transparent donation to support rescue missions.

The case comes as Italy's government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, pushes to crack down on sea rescues and curb migration. Mediterranea says the trial will be a chance to hold authorities accountable for leaving people stranded at sea.

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