Italy's Top Court Sides with Salvini in Migrant Case

Supreme Court Backs Lower Court Decision

Italy's highest court has upheld a lower court's decision to clear Matteo Salvini, the country's transport minister and leader of the League party, of charges related to a 2019 migrant standoff. The Supreme Court's ruling means Salvini cannot be tried again for the same incident.

Background of the Case

The case dates back to 2019, when Salvini, then interior minister, blocked a ship carrying over 100 migrants from docking in Italy for nearly three weeks. Prosecutors argued this amounted to kidnapping, but the court disagreed. Salvini's supporters see the ruling as a victory for his tough stance on immigration.

Reactions to the Ruling

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, an ally of Salvini, praised the decision, stating that defending Italy's borders is not a crime but a duty. Salvini himself took to social media to celebrate, saying, "Defending borders is not a crime."

However, not everyone agrees with the court's decision. Oscar Camps, founder of the Spanish charity Open Arms, which operated the migrant ship, called the ruling a "political decision" and said it set a dangerous precedent.

Legal Implications

The case was unusual because prosecutors skipped the appeals court and went straight to the Supreme Court. They argued that Salvini's actions were criminal, but the Supreme Court disagreed, saying the prosecution's case was weak.

Salvini's lawyer, Giulia Bongiorno, called the ruling a vindication, saying it proved the trial should never have happened. She also noted that the court's decision highlighted the correctness of Salvini's actions.

Broader Context

The case has drawn international attention, as it reflects Italy's broader debate over immigration and border control. The Supreme Court's ruling is likely to have significant political and legal implications.