(Politico) Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini was acquitted Friday on kidnapping charges over his decision in 2019 to block a migrant rescue ship carrying more than 140 people from coming ashore in Italy.
Salvini, who was serving as Italy’s interior minister at the time, prevented the disembarkation of 147 people, including children, rescued by the Spanish NGO Open Arms, leaving the ship stranded at sea for 19 days.
The court on Friday ruled that there was no case to answer.
“I am happy,” said Salvini after the acquittal. “After three years the [far-right party] League has won, Italy has won. Defending the Fatherland is not a crime but a right. I will go on even more determined than before.”
