(AFP) Italy’s Senate voted Wednesday to block the trial of far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini for allegedly illegally confining migrants rescued at sea by an Italian coastguard ship last year.
Senators voted 237 to 61 in favour of the immunity commission’s recommendation that Salvini, who heads the anti-immigrant League party, should not face trial.
The case relates to the rescue in August of 190 people by Italy’s Diciotti coast guard ship, who were left stuck at sea for five days without permission to dock.
Thirteen migrants with health problems were eventually disembarked on Lampedusa island off Italy’s southern tip.
The ship then headed to Catania in Sicily, but was blocked for another five days before the remaining 177 migrants were allowed off.
