Matteo Salvini, Italy's Deputy Premier and Transport Minister, has been acquitted of charges linked to his controversial tactics during his tenure as Interior Minister, particularly surrounding the detainment of 147 migrants aboard the Open Arms rescue vessel back in 2019. A Palermo court ruled on Friday evening, determining there was no case to answer, effectively clearing Salvini of both abduction and dereliction of duty.
The Open Arms, operated by the Spanish NGO of the same name, had picked up the migrants off the Libyan coast and had been denied docking privileges, resulting in nearly three weeks of the vessel remaining stranded at sea—conditions which the prosecution argued were untenable, particularly for the vulnerable individuals onboard.
“Defending the homeland is not a crime,” Salvini stated confidently as he reacted to the verdict on Friday. He emphasized his position throughout the trial, insisting he was merely protecting Italy against illicit immigration. After learning of the ruling, he celebrated by hugging his girlfriend and expressing satisfaction with the outcome.
During the proceedings, which began on September 15, 2021, prosecutors had sought a sentence of six years, arguing Salvini's refusal to allow the migrants to disembark constituted both a violation of national and international law, and exceeded the lawful scope of his duties as Minister.
Prosecutors like Marzia Sabella contended there were no legitimate national security concerns justifying the delay of disembarkation. They highlighted how the migrants faced serious risks to their well-being—claims echoed by Open Arms’ representatives and human rights advocates.
Despite the serious charges and the multi-year trial, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and other prominent political figures stood firmly behind Salvini. Meloni lauded the acquittal, calling it indicative of the “unfounded” nature of the allegations against him, and praised Salvini for his commitment to curbing unauthorized immigration.
The case had not only captured the attention of the Italian public but also garnered significant support and criticism on the international stage. Figures like Elon Musk voiced their opinions, labeling the prosecution as unjust, with Musk tweeting, “Crazy to see Salvini being tried for defending Italy.”
On the opposing side, political figures such as Giuseppe Conte of the Five-Star Movement and Elly Schlein from the Democratic Party expressed their concern over the ruling. Conte remarked on the importance of maintaining respect for the judiciary’s independence, even as Schlein demanded accountability on behalf of the individuals impacted by Salvini’s policies.
The backdrop to this legal saga includes Italy's broader narrative concerning migration policy and the EU's struggle with integrating humanitarian efforts within strict sovereign border controls. Salvini's measures as Interior Minister had established Italy as one of the most hard-line countries concerning migration, with him regularly not only blocking ports but openly criticizing NGOs involved in rescue operations.
The Open Arms case significantly shaped the public perception of migration and humanitarian aid, raising questions about the responsibilities of government officials against humanitarian obligations. After the court’s decision, Arturo Salerni, the attorney for Open Arms, stressed, “The supreme duty of those who belong to governments is to defend international laws and conventions, and people’s rights.” Yet, many of Salvini's supporters believe he acted with the utmost integrity, focused on the long-term well-being of Italy.
After the ruling, Salvini stated he remains resolute about his past actions, asserting, “I would do everything I did again.” His defiance echoes the sentiments among his right-wing supporters, who rallied behind him during the trial, reinforcing their position against what they characterized as politically motivated legal battles.
This acquittal is poised to influence how both Italian and European political entities approach the increasingly divisive issue of migration, as Salvini's case serves as both precedent and icon of the continuing struggle between humanitarian intervention and national security interests. With discussions likely to resume about immigration policy and humanitarian practices, the ripples of this verdict will likely linger within both the political arena and the lives of the individuals involved.
