Italy is systematically blocking rescue ships while people drown every day.
Under the so-called Piantedosi Law, Italian authorities have detained search and rescue ships 22 times since it came into force in 2023 preventing them from assisting people in distress at sea.
These detentions are based on unfounded accusations and unlawful demands. Authorities wrongly accuse ship crews of uncooperative behaviour towards the so-called Libyan Coast Guard (scLCG), despite the scLCG's attempts to force people in distress back to Libya, violating international law. The law mandates NGO rescue ships head immediately to an assigned port after a rescue, ignoring other boats in distress, which contradicts international maritime law. The Louise Michel was detained for not sailing to the assigned port, which was not the closest safe port available, due to adverse weather conditions.
The Piantedosi Law aims to reduce the presence of NGO ships at sea, limit their rescue availability, and prevent arrivals to Italy. We call on Italian authorities to stop obstructing NGO search and rescue activities and protect the fundamental rights of people in distress at sea.
