Rome protesters condemn Italy-Libya migrant deal after deadly wreck
Migrants and advocacy groups demonstrated in Rome on Saturday against Italy’s migration agreement with Libya after approximately 20 people were feared dead in a Mediterranean shipwreck. The contentious 2017 pact, renewed under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration, provides Italian funding and training for Libyan coast guard operations in exchange for intercepting migrant vessels and returning passengers to Libya. The accord faces renewal next month.
Hundreds attended the protest, and participants held a minute of silence for Mediterranean crossing victims. Activist Sarita Fratini described a death zone in the central Mediterranean where capture occurs in Libyan waters, but northern areas lack rescue presence. Rights organizations have documented abuse and torture in Libyan detention facilities.
Italian coast guard officials reported searching for survivors from a capsized vessel carrying about 30 people near Malta on Friday. Rescuers saved 11 people, but recovered one body, and officials feared additional casualties. Sea-Watch International criticized Italian and Maltese authorities for a delayed response despite an advance warning from Alarm Phone charity.
More than 1,000 people have died attempting Mediterranean crossings this year, according to the International Organization for Migration.
