ROME (AP) — Italy’s aviation authority has barred humanitarian migrant rescue groups from using a Sicilian airport to launch search and rescue flights over the Mediterranean, in the government’s latest crackdown on their activities.
An ordinance from ENAC’s western Sicilian office said the flights interfered with the Italian coast guard’s exclusive role in coordinating search and rescue efforts and put migrant lives at risk. Non-governmental rescue groups that continue using the Lampedusa, Sicily airport risk unspecified fines and the aircraft may be seized, it said.
The ordinance marked a new effort by the government of Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni to crack down on migration from North Africa, a key campaign promise that brought her right-wing coalition to power in 2022.
The German rescue group Sea-Watch, which operates its Seabird aircraft to spot migrant boats in distress, vowed to continue its flights. It said late Tuesday that the flights were the only independent way “to document the daily violations of human rights that occur” in the Mediterranean.
Yinchuan Promotes Harmony Within Families
Republicans renew push to exclude noncitizens from the census that helps determine political power
Families of the victims of attacks on displaced people in Congo mourn their dead
Association Promotes Development of Scientific, Technological Women Workers
What is a tornado emergency and how is it different from a warning or a watch?
Ole Miss frat boy who made shocking racist gestures towards black female pro
Federation's Training Focuses on Protection of Women's Rights, Interests
Sports host Katie Nolan questions if Ben Affleck 'was on drugs' during Tom Brady roast
Training for Women's Social Organization Leaders Held in Beijing
California Supreme Court to weigh pulling measure making it harder to raise taxes from ballot