A Spanish charity, Open Arms, dedicated to rescuing migrants in the Mediterranean, has reported that its ship, also named Open Arms, has been once again detained by Italian authorities. The organisation accuses Rome of harassment, citing a new 20-day blockade and a potential fine of up to 10,000 euros ($10,500).
This recent detention follows a previous incident in August when the ship, along with two other rescue vessels, was accused of breaking a controversial new law. The law mandates that charities must return to port between every rescue, and only to the port designated by Italian authorities.
Open Arms had disembarked 176 migrants in the Tuscan port of Carrara on Wednesday, rescued in three operations in the Central Mediterranean. In a statement on Thursday, the charity accused Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government of engaging in a “strategy of harassing the work of humanitarian ships.”
The charity expressed its frustration, stating, “We will bear this unjust detention and the resulting legal costs, but we find it unacceptable to have to suffer this situation because we have done our duty, respecting the Law of the Sea and international conventions.”
The surge in irregular migration has been a significant challenge for Meloni’s government, which took office one year ago with the promise to end such migration. However, the numbers have risen, with over 135,000 migrants landing on Italian shores so far this year, compared to 72,400 in the same period last year, according to interior ministry figures.
While the government claims that only about five percent of migrants are picked up by charity ships, Meloni contends that the rescuers encourage smugglers. This claim has been challenged by researchers who emphasise the multifaceted reasons behind migration, including weather conditions, with crossings increasing during calm seas.
