The three judges in Palermo set to
rule in the trial in which Deputy Premier and Transport Minister
Matteo Salvini faces charges of abduction and refusal to perform
public acts have started deliberations.
A verdict is expected later on Friday after 6 pm, judicial
sources said.
The League leader is accused of illegitimately denying the
disembarkation of 147 migrants rescued by the vessel operated by
Spanish NGO Open Arms in August 2019, as part of his
controversial closed-port policy when he was interior minister.
Prosecutors Marzia Sabella, Gery Ferrara and Giorgia Righi on
September 14 requested a six-year jail term for Salvini.
On Friday, Sabella told the court that Salvini had exceeded his
powers when he had stopped the migrants from landing at
Lampedusa on August 14-20, 2019, in spite of difficult
conditions aboard.
The State attorney said "no national security reasons" prevented
their disembarkation.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
