From Copenhagen, the Maersk Tankers shipping company "exonerates the NGO Mediterranea, while in Trapani and Catania two investigations involving other NGOs have been closed.
Maersk sheds light on the story that sees four members of Mediterranea under investigation in Ragusa, accused of having transhipped from the Danish cargo to the Mare Jonio 27 migrants, then brought to Pozzallo, in exchange for money. The company explains that only "months after the rescue operation did it meet with the representatives of Mediterranea to thank them for their humanitarian assistance" and decided "to give a contribution of 125 thousand euros to Mediterranea to cover some of the costs incurred following the operation.
We have not been contacted by the authorities so far. "
Meanwhile, the Prosecutor of Trapani has notified the notice of closure of the investigation to 21 people involved in a 2017 investigation that led to the seizure of the motor ship "Iuventa", of the NGO "Jugend Rettet".
The investigation, which assumes the crime of aiding illegal immigration, has also been extended to two other NGOs: Save the Children and Doctors Without Borders with the Prudence and Vox Hestia ships.
The 21 suspects are accused of aiding and abetting illegal immigration;
while the crime of forgery would be charged to the NGOs.
"After years of investigations, yesterday alone, we received from the Prosecutor of Trapani the notice of closure of the investigations for aiding and abetting, together with other humanitarian ships, and from the Gup of Catania the decision of indictment for illegal waste traffic" , says Doctors Without Borders.
"The decisions of the judiciary, a few hours later - adds MSF - lengthen the list of numerous attempts to criminalize rescue at sea, which to date have not confirmed any accusations, but which have dangerously weakened the rescue capacity".