Matteo Salvini, Italy’s former interior minister, was acquitted of kidnapping migrants in a pivotal court ruling on December 20, 2024. The trial centered around an incident from July 2019, concerning the withholding of 131 migrants aboard the coast guard ship ‘Gregoretti’. The court in Catania found Salvini did not commit the crime, with Judge Nunzio Sarpietro stating he had acted ‘in the interest of national security’ to prevent a potential migrant influx. The ruling has sparked debates about government policies towards migrants and the state of justice in Italy.
In response to the verdict, Salvini proclaimed on social media, ‘Truth won’. He emphasized that Italy’s borders must be protected, asserting, ‘Nobody can tell me that we’re not doing our duty. The people are with us, and they want a stronger country’.
Meanwhile, Italian Justice Minister Carlo Nordio has called for reform, stating it ‘is time to compensate for the prosecutors’ mistakes’. He acknowledged the need to evaluate the legal context surrounding such high-profile cases, which often stir public sentiment. The verdict has renewed discussions on the alliance between Salvini’s League party and the governing coalition formed in the aftermath of a broader political shift.
Political analyst Marco De Ruggiero commented that the outcome reflects a shift towards stringent immigration control policies favored by Italy’s current right-wing leadership. He noted, ‘This case illustrates how judicial decisions can intersect considerably with political landscapes in Italy’.
The court’s decision is anticipated to have ramifications for Salvini’s political aspirations, as he aims to solidify his base ahead of upcoming elections.
