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Italy Today

Italian news in English

Saturday, November 23, 2024

Salvini's Open Arms Trial: Defense's Stand

Published: 2024-10-18

In Palermo, the defense of Matteo Salvini took center stage in the Open Arms trial.

Salvini, former Interior Minister, faces charges of unlawful detention for preventing 147 migrants from disembarking from the NGO ship Open Arms in August 2019. His lawyer, Giulia Bongiorno, argued for his acquittal, claiming the NGO had multiple opportunities to dock but chose not to.

Bongiorno suggested the NGO's actions were politically motivated to challenge Salvini's closed ports policy.

Despite a show of support from League ministers, public turnout was low.

The trial has sparked significant media attention, with a verdict expected on December 20.