Amnesty International condemns Italy’s support for Libyan authorities in migration management, citing human rights abuses against migrants. During a parliamentary session, spokesperson Anneliese Baldaccini highlighted a troubling case involving the release of Libyan general Nijeem Osama al Masri, urging Italy to cease assistance to institutions implicated in crimes against humanity.
Amnesty International has criticized the Italian government’s support for Libyan authorities regarding migration management. During a session of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committees of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Anneliese Baldaccini, a spokesperson for Amnesty, addressed Italy’s backing of operations such as “Operation Safe Mediterranean” which aids the Libyan coast guard in migration management. Baldaccini noted that Amnesty has documented the severe repercussions arising from such cooperation for years.
The focus of the session involved examining the Italian Council of Ministers’ resolution concerning Italy’s involvement in international missions in 2025. Baldaccini emphasized the perilous conditions in Libya for intercepted migrants, citing a UN inquiry that found strong evidence of crimes against humanity perpetrated by state officials. She urged the cessation of support to Libyan institutions involved in these human rights violations.
Additionally, Baldaccini called attention to Italy’s handling of the arrest and subsequent release of Libyan general Nijeem Osama al Masri, who is implicated in crimes against humanity and migrant abuse. Al Masri was arrested in Turin following an International Criminal Court warrant, but was released by Italian authorities due to procedural failures, which Amnesty decried as a missed opportunity for justice.
Baldaccini expressed concern that Italy’s ongoing cooperation with Libya could set a precedent for future agreements with countries like Tunisia and Egypt, potentially enabling further human rights violations. She warned that the European Union’s commitment and funding in such contexts may inadvertently legitimise grave abuses while undermining search and rescue efforts.
In summary, Amnesty International’s criticisms highlight significant concerns regarding Italy’s collaboration with Libyan authorities in managing migration. The organization’s spokesperson underscored the dangerous situation for migrants in Libya, calling for an end to support for institutions involved in human rights abuses. Further, Italy’s handling of criminals such as al Masri raises questions about its commitment to international justice, suggesting that future agreements could perpetuate similar violations.
Original Source: www.infomigrants.net
