Immigration security

Italian prosecutors to question Salvini on migration standoff

The EU has hit back at a threat by Italy’s populist government to halt its budget payments to Brussels amid a row over a rescue ship carrying refugees and migrants, as prosecutors from Sicily travel to Rome to question the far-right interior minister, Matteo Salvini, about the illegal detention of those onboard.

The investigation, conducted by the prosecutor of Agrigento, was launched against “unknowns”. Sources said Salvini risked coming under investigation because he was responsible for the disembarkation ban.

Italy is facing a violation of the article 5 of the European convention on human rights. Under its terms, asylum seekers detained for more than 48 hours should be immediately released and should be given the opportunity to apply for a refugee status.