23/08/2023
Open Arms, a highly active non-governmental organisation known for advocating open borders in Europe, has been fined 10,000 euros and slapped with a 20-day administrative blockade.
These actions were taken in response to the organisation’s activities, which were found to be in violation of the ‘Meloni Decree’ aimed at addressing concerns related to NGOs engaging in human trafficking.
Open Arms’ claim of carrying out rescue operations in coordination with the Italian coastguard does little to mitigate the serious allegations against them. The ‘Meloni Decree’ seeks to combat organisations like Open Arms that exploit legal loopholes, contributing to the influx of unauthorised immigrants in Italy and Europe.
A spokesman for Open Arms said
“After having carried out dozens of rescue assistance and intervention this month at the request of the Italian coastguard, under their careful coordination, today they apply the ‘Meloni Decree’ that limits rescue to one and hinders the protection of lives in danger in the sea.”
Open Arms’ spokesman’s statement about adhering to the ‘Meloni Decree’ could be seen as an attempt to downplay their actions. This development has fueled the ongoing debate on immigration policies and the role of NGOs in Europe, with critics asserting that the penalties imposed are a long-overdue response to one of the hundreds of organisations acting in illegal and immoral practices.
Meloni has come under a string of criticism from the right recently for not implementing what she had promised, however, the news of Open Arms being fined will be welcomed, despite it doing very little to actually stem the flow of their unlawful activities.
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