The Spanish NGO Open Arms wants to question Gere as a witness because in August 2019 he visited the rescue ship “Open Arms”, which was blocked by Salvini with around 150 migrants on board in the Mediterranean, and called for support for the sea rescuers. Expremier Giuseppe Conte, Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese, Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio, as well as two ex-ministers and Malta’s expremier Joseph Muscat will also testify as witnesses, the court decided on Saturday. The trial was adjourned to December 17th.
The head of the right-wing ruling party Lega is accused of having denied the “Open Arms” a safe haven in August 2019. Salvini has to answer for abuse of office and deprivation of liberty. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison.
The founder of the NGO Open Arms Oscar Camps also took part in the court hearing on Saturday. “We demand justice,” said the Spaniard. Saving human life at sea should not be criminalized, he said.
