Matteo Salvini Acquitted in Open Arms Migrant Case

An Italian court cleared the former interior minister of charges related to blocking a migrant rescue ship in 2019, ruling no crime was committed.

Matteo Salvini, Italy’s deputy prime minister and Lega party leader, was acquitted of charges of kidnapping and abuse of power by a Palermo court in a first-instance verdict.
The case stemmed from Salvini’s 2019 decision as interior minister to prevent 147 migrants aboard the NGO ship Open Arms from disembarking in Italy for nearly three weeks.
The court ruled that Salvini’s actions, part of his 'closed ports' policy, were in line with national and international law, dismissing the prosecution’s demand for a six-year prison sentence.
Salvini and his allies, including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, framed the trial as politically motivated and celebrated the verdict as a victory for Italy’s sovereignty and border protection.
Open Arms has announced plans to appeal the decision, while Salvini’s acquittal is seen as a potential boost for his party after recent electoral setbacks.