Italian Court Blocks Meloni's Albania Migrant Deal

Italian judges have dealt a significant setback to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's controversial migration strategy, which involves processing asylum seekers in offshore facilities in Albania. The Court of Appeals in Rome ruled that 43 migrants, who were recently transferred to Albania, must be returned to Italy after their asylum requests were denied. This ruling has been referred to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) for further examination, highlighting ongoing legal challenges to Meloni's plan, which has been criticized by rights groups and opposition parties. The migrants involved, primarily from Bangladesh, Egypt, Ivory Coast, and Gambia, were among those intercepted while attempting to cross the Mediterranean. Despite the legal hurdles, Meloni's government remains committed to its approach, which aims to deter illegal migration and has attracted interest from other European nations. The situation reflects a growing rift between the Italian government and the judiciary, as Meloni faces mounting criticism over her handling of migration issues.