The Italian Constitutional Court convened in Rome to deliberate on the detention of the Ocean Viking, a rescue vessel operated by SOS Mediterranée, for defying orders from the Libyan Coast Guard during a 2024 mission to save 261 migrants at sea. SOS Mediterranée’s act of defiance, rooted in the belief that Libya posed dangers to rescued individuals, has sparked a legal battle that could shape Italy’s stance on migrant rescue operations. The case highlights the escalating tensions between humanitarian groups and the Italian government, led by Giorgia Meloni, which has been toughening its stance on migration policies. The court’s ruling is eagerly awaited as it could impact the future of rescue missions in the central Mediterranean, where thousands risk their lives in perilous journeys to reach Europe. Despite EU support for the Libyan Coast Guard to curb migrant flows, critics decry the criminalization of humanitarian efforts in the region. The outcome of this landmark case will shed light on the complex dynamics of migration control and human rights at sea.
Source: Africa News
