Amnesty International criticized Italy’s support of the Libyan authorities’ migration management during a recent parliamentary session. Spokesperson Anneliese Baldaccini expressed concerns about Italy’s cooperation, highlighting the humanitarian crises and the release of Libyan General Nijeem Osama al Masri, who is linked to serious crimes. The organization urged for accountability and warned against normalizing serious violations in future agreements with North African nations.
Amnesty International condemned Italy’s support for the Libyan authorities regarding migration management during a recent joint session of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committees at the Italian Chamber of Deputies. Anneliese Baldaccini, a spokesperson from Amnesty, highlighted concerns about Italy’s engagement with the Libyan coast guard, emphasizing the potential humanitarian consequences of such cooperation that has been documented over several years.
The session focused on the Italian Council of Ministers’ recent resolution concerning Italy’s participation in international missions anticipated for 2025. Baldaccini remarked, “This year’s decree continues to support the Libyan authorities, the so-called Libyan coast guard, just as it did in 2024,” pointing out the ongoing backing of migration management initiatives under “Operation Safe Mediterranean.”
Baldaccini further mentioned, “For the United Nations, Libya remains a dangerous country for those who are intercepted at sea: the acts of terrible cruelty against migrants constitute de facto a state policy.” She referenced a UN independent inquiry indicating reasonable belief of crimes against humanity being perpetrated in Libya and called for a cessation of support to implicated Libyan institutions.
In relation to recent events, Baldaccini criticized Italy’s handling of the arrest and subsequent release of Libyan General Nijeem Osama al Masri, wanted by the International Criminal Court for severe offenses. Al Masri, previously associated with a notorious prison, was detained in Turin on January 19 but released shortly thereafter due to procedural failures by the Italian Minister of Justice.
Baldaccini commented on this incident, saying, “Italy had the chance to do so [follow international justice mechanisms] and would have been obliged to do so when al Masri was arrested in Turin.” She expressed regret over Italy’s decision to release al Masri, highlighting the missed opportunity for addressing accountability related to migrant abuses.
The Amnesty spokesperson also voiced concern over Italy’s potential agreements with Tunisia and Egypt, fearing similar stances might prevail. She stated, “The EU’s commitment [and funding] can have a normalizing effect on serious violations and hinder the integrity of the system of search and rescue.”
In summary, Amnesty International’s critique of Italy’s support for the Libyan authorities underscores significant humanitarian and ethical concerns regarding migration management. The organization’s spokesperson emphasized the dire situation in Libya for intercepted migrants and highlighted Italy’s controversial actions concerning the release of a high-profile individual wanted for crimes against humanity. The potential implications of Italy’s future engagements with North African countries also raise alarm about ongoing violations and accountability.
Original Source: www.infomigrants.net
