Migrants Arrive in Italy as Rome Promises to Maintain Tough Stance – By Reuters

CATANIA, Italy – Migrants who had been kept on board the ship that rescued them off the coast of Libya nearly two weeks ago finally set foot on dry land in Sicily on Thursday. The Italian government has reiterated its commitment to blocking charity vessels from docking at its ports.

The Sea-Watch 3, operated by a German humanitarian organization, arrived at the port of Catania to disembark 47 individuals, including 15 minors, who were rescued on January 19. The minors were the first to leave the vessel, embracing crew members before boarding buses that would take them to shelters where they can file official asylum applications.

This incident marks the second time this month that the Sea-Watch has faced extended periods at sea while EU nations negotiated over the reception of migrants. Previously, Italy had accepted all boat migrants rescued from dangerous and overcrowded vessels off the Libyan coast until a populist government took power last year, leading to the closure of its ports.

The latest group of migrants will be redistributed among eight different EU member states, including Italy. Sea-Watch expressed hope via social media for a warm welcome and the opportunity for these individuals to live fulfilling lives in Europe.

Responding to calls from Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini for a criminal investigation into the charity, Sea-Watch has sought assistance with potential legal expenses. "We hope for the best and prepare for the worst," they stated on social media.

Salvini, the leader of the nationalist League party, affirmed that Italy’s ports would remain closed to humanitarian ships. "If another large vessel arrives illegally at the Italian coast, I would act the same way again," he declared in parliament on Wednesday. He invited inquiries into the operations of non-governmental organizations, claiming he would welcome any investigation into alleged irregularities.

Sea-Watch maintains that it acted in accordance with international law at all times. The prosecutor from Syracuse, where the organization had sought refuge from inclement weather, corroborated this, stating that the charity has not committed any wrongdoing.

Salvini himself was under investigation last August for alleged abuse of power after he prevented the Italian coastguard ship Diciotti from allowing a group of primarily Eritrean migrants to disembark.