A civil society organization is calling on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to open an investigation into Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi. The NGO Mediterranea Saving Humans believes that a message published on social networks by the minister demonstrates that the Italian government of Giorgia Meloni is not, in fact, respecting the Geneva Conventions on refugees.
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To justify its request for an investigation, the Italian non-governmental organisation relies on a message published on the X network on Thursday 19 September. Matteo Piantedosi states: ” 16,220 migrants heading for European shores have been intercepted at sea and returned safely to Libya since January, a figure – continues the Italian Minister of the Interior – which demonstrates the effectiveness of Italy’s collaboration with the countries of origin and transit of migrants. »
The legal department of the organisation Mediterranea Saving Humans cites reports, including from the United Nations, which consider that Libya is – and remains – a dangerous place, and that expulsions to this country therefore constitute a crime in violation of the Geneva Convention on Refugees. Returning people to Libya against their will is a very serious crime. “, the NGO said in its press release.
Open an investigation
Italy and Libya have been collaborating since 2017, following an agreement on migrants, approved by the European Union, but heavily criticized by human rights defenders.
The NGO Mediterranea Saving Humans, which believes that the message from the Minister of the Interior proves that Italy does not respect the law, is therefore directly calling on the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to open an investigation into Matteo Piantedosi.
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