The trial of Matteo Salvini, accused of kidnapping and abuse of office for holding 147 migrants aboard the Open Arms ship in August 2019, has been postponed to December 20th. The defense presented its arguments in the courtroom in Palermo, with the prosecution requesting a 6-year sentence for the former Minister of Interior. The defense argued for acquittal, stating that Salvini was not fighting against migrants but against those who abuse rights and claims. The final verdict will be issued after additional hearings on that date.
Giulia Bongiorno, Salvini’s lawyer, argued that the NGO Open Arms’ goal was to target Salvini. She emphasized the importance of border protection and criticized the NGO’s refusal to allow the migrants to disembark despite multiple opportunities to do so. Bongiorno highlighted a video where people on board seemed happy not because they were going to disembark, but because they believed that Salvini had fallen from power. This perspective suggests a political motivation behind the actions of the NGO and some stakeholders involved.
The defense also pointed out that under the administration of Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese, migrants remained on the ship for up to two weeks before disembarking. This illustrates that the issue of handling migrant situations was a complex and ongoing challenge that transcended different political administrations. The defense argued that Salvini’s actions were in line with legal responsibilities and that the decision-making process was consistent with established norms and procedures.
The prosecution, however, stressed the importance of upholding human rights over national sovereignty in such situations. They argued that international laws and conventions require the protection of individuals at sea, regardless of their status. The prosecutor emphasized that the rescue of individuals in distress should take precedence and that legal processes should follow to determine any subsequent actions. The trial was characterized as a legal proceeding rather than a political one, with administrative decisions under scrutiny rather than political motives.
Open Arms, the NGO that was involved in the incident, expressed confidence in the legal process and reiterated its commitment to defending human rights and seeking justice. They have been actively involved in the case as civil parties to ensure that the truth is brought to light and that the rights of migrants are respected. The organization expressed optimism about the final outcome of the trial and their efforts to seek accountability and fairness.
In response to the trial and the charges against him, Matteo Salvini received support from various individuals and groups, including a manifestation organized by the Lega party in Palermo. Minister of Education Giuseppe Valditara attended the event and expressed solidarity with Salvini, stating that expressing support for the former minister was a necessary act for those who believe in his political agenda. The event garnered support from other political figures and citizens who believed in Salvini’s stance on immigration and border security.
