Prosecutors Seek Six Years for Matteo Salvini

Italian prosecutors are seeking a six-year prison sentence for Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini over his 2019 decision to block the migrant rescue ship Open Arms from docking in Italy, leaving over 100 migrants stranded at sea. Salvini, who was serving as Interior Minister at the time, is charged with kidnapping and refusal of official documents. Prosecutors argue that his actions violated international law and European Union regulations, while Salvini and his defense claim the trial is politically motivated and that he was fulfilling his duty to protect national borders. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and other government officials have expressed their support for Salvini. A conviction could bar Salvini from holding public office, but the judicial process in Italy involves multiple stages before a final verdict is reached.