Italian Officials on Trial Over Deadly Migrant Shipwreck

An Italian judge has ordered six officials from the police and coastguard to stand trial in connection with a 2023 migrant shipwreck that resulted in over 90 deaths near Cutro, as reported by local media. The shipwreck, which is one of Italy's deadliest, involved a wooden vessel departing from Turkey that ultimately broke apart on rocks close to the beach in the Calabria region.

The accused, comprising two coastguard officers and four members of Italy's Guardia di Finanza police force, face multiple manslaughter charges linked to negligence. Such neglect allegedly contributed to the tragic shipwreck, according to the Ansa news agency. Under Italian law, the culmination of a prosecutorial probe necessitates judicial permission to commence a formal trial for the suspects. The trial is anticipated to begin in January.

Reactions to the decision were fiery, with Matteo Salvini, leader of the anti-immigrant League party and Italy's deputy prime minister, voicing strong disapproval. 'A single word: SHAME. To put on trial six officials who risk their lives every day to save others. SHAME,' Salvini expressed via his social media account on X. Last year, a related case saw three individuals convicted of aiding illegal immigration leading to the deaths and subsequently receiving prison sentences of up to 16 years.

(With inputs from agencies.)