The founder of a far-right Italian party and frontrunner to be the country's next leader has called for a blockade of Libya to stop migrants crossing the Mediterranean. Giorgia Meloni, leader of the Brothers of Italy party, wants the Italian navy to blockade the north African coast so that all migrants can be screened before leaving to ascertain whether they are genuine refugees. Those who can prove their refugee status should be allowed through, Meloni said, while those who cannot should be sent home. 'Meloni, do you know that under international law it is considered an act of war,' tweeted former house speaker Laura Boldrini. Aside from the naval blockade, Maloni has also proposed fines for NGO vessels rescuing migrants from the sea and bringing them to Italian reception centres.

Source: Libya Today August 08, 2022 21:54 UTC