Rights activists on Sunday accused Italian authorities of blocking migrant rescue ship Sea-Watch 4 from leaving port and resuming its emergency mission in the Mediterranean. "Even though the responsible authorities have asked us to assist in rescue operations, they are now blocking yet another rescue vessel." Migrant rescue groups have repeatedly clashed with Italian authorities over their operations. However, Italy has authorised the arrival of charity ships since it signed a deal with France, Germany, and Malta last September. The deal stipulates participants must voluntarily take in a share of asylum-seekers rescued from overcrowded boats in the Mediterranean.

Source: The North Africa Journal September 20, 2020 09:11 UTC