Italy has become increasingly anti-refugee and anti-migrant under the leadership of Giorgi Meloni’s far-right government – but rights groups have expressed relief after the country’s top court ruled that it is illegal to return seaborne newcomers to Libya. Activists say it’s implicit recognition that Libya is too dangerous – and that those fleeing the country for Europe should be offered shelter and support.
One serious danger is human traffickers who operate along Libya’s coast. The gangs round up migrants and torture and rape them in makeshift prisons, demanding ransom from families. Libyan coastguards are accused of being in cahoots with the traffickers. Captured migrants who die from the abuse are dumped in the desert.
Incidentally, Italy has funnelled millions into the Libyan maritime authority in a bid to stop migrants from leaving.
Do you think the high-court ruling will change how newcomers are treated in Italy?