Italy’s government warned the humanitarian organisation Mediterranea Human Saving, involved in rescuing migrants at sea, of potential sanctions against its vessel if it continues operations without meeting required regulations.
The warning was issued to the ship’s owner, Mary Guneo, and its captain during an inspection at the Trapani port by the Port Authority for not possessing the necessary “certificate of compliance.”
The Italian Maritime Registry, responsible for issuing recognized technical certifications and classifying ships, has not granted this certificate to Mary Guneo.
The organization reported that officials threatened to impose penalties under Article 650 of the Criminal Code, which allows for the arrest of anyone not complying with the authorities’ regulations, with possible imprisonment of up to three months.
Despite these challenges, the ship successfully participated in a rescue operation that saved 182 individuals in coordination with the Italian Coast Guard.
The organisation accused Italy’s Interior and Transport Ministers, Matteo Piantedosi and far-right leader Matteo Salvini, of obstructing their rescue missions.
In a statement on its platform, the humanitarian organisation expressed its frustration over Italy’s remarks: “This is another chapter in the blind and senseless war waged by these officials against the civilian fleet and sea rescues.”
They also announced plans to challenge the Port Authority’s decision in hopes of resuming their vital missions.
The organization lamented, “Once again, we are forced to waste time, energy, and money on legal protections for our ship, Mary Guneo. These resources had been allocated for our upcoming sea mission.”
This ongoing legal battle highlights the increasing tensions between humanitarian efforts and governmental policies in the Mediterranean migration crisis.
Slawomir Minczen, a candidate for the upcoming 2025 Polish presidential elections, has promised that Polish border guards will shoot illegal immigrants attempting to breach the nation’s borders.
At the end of 2023, there was a notable increase in attempts by illegal immigrants to penetrate the fence.
