Protests Erupt in Rome Following Latest Mediterranean Shipwreck

Protests took place in Rome on Saturday as migrants and human rights activists rallied against Italy’s controversial migrant agreement with Libya. This demonstration followed a tragic shipwreck in the Mediterranean, where approximately 20 people were feared dead. The agreement, originally established in 2017 and renewed under Prime Minister Georgia Meloni‘s hard-right administration, involves Italy providing funding and training to the Libyan coastguard in exchange for assistance in curbing migrant departures towards Italy.

Human Stories of Struggle and Survival

During the protest, many migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa shared harrowing accounts of their experiences in Libya. A moment of silence was observed for those who have lost their lives attempting to cross the Mediterranean. Activist Sarita Fratini, present at the event, highlighted the dangers faced by migrants in the region, stating, “In the central Mediterranean, there is a line called the line of death. In the Libyan area, you get captured. In the north, you die because there is no one there.”

Fratini is actively involved in supporting migrants in legal actions against Italy for their unlawful interception and return to Libyan detention centres. Rights activists and former detainees have characterized these facilities as sites of abuse, torture, and various human rights violations.

Irene Dea, a 46-year-old from the Ivory Coast, recounted her traumatic journey, having attempted to reach Europe three times by boat. She described a devastating incident during her first attempt, where twelve individuals lost their lives at sea. After being intercepted by Libyan forces, Dea spent six months at the notorious Az-Zawiyah detention centre near Tripoli. “In this prison, women are raped. You don’t eat… it was total anguish,” she said, adding, “I saw women being raped with my own eyes.”

Increasing Violence and Casualties at Sea

Recent reports from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) indicate a rise in incidents involving the Libyan coastguard firing upon boats carrying migrants. Alarm Phone, a charity that operates a hotline for stranded migrants, reported a serious incident last week where a boat carrying 113 migrants was shot at southeast of Malta. Survivors rescued later reported the attack to Italy’s coastguard.

The perilous journey across the Mediterranean continues to claim lives, with the International Organization for Migration noting that more than 1,000 individuals have died attempting the crossing so far this year. On Friday, Italy’s coastguard initiated a search for survivors of another shipwreck involving approximately 30 people near Malta, resulting in the rescue of seven individuals, while a merchant vessel picked up four others. Sadly, one body was recovered during the operation.

Criticism has been directed at the Italian and Maltese authorities regarding their response to distress calls. Sea-Watch International, which operates rescue boats in the region, condemned the slow action, stating, “Italy and Malta knew about the boat since yesterday afternoon, thanks to Alarm Phone, but did not send help until it was too late.” Alarm Phone further emphasized their frustration, saying, “We cannot express our anger at yet another group consciously being left to die.”

The ongoing situation highlights the complex and often dangerous dynamics of migration in the Mediterranean, raising urgent questions about humanitarian responses and government policies affecting vulnerable populations.