Migrants, rescue ships face threats, harassment at sea: aid group
The aid group said 821 people died or were reported missing in the central Mediterranean in the first four months of the year, up 111%.
- On Monday, NGO SOS Mediterranee reported that rescue ships operating in the Mediterranean face increasing harassment and threats from Libyan groups, endangering crews and migrants crossing from Africa to Europe.
- The group stated the central Mediterranean is becoming "increasingly hostile," attributing this to "the expansion of European cooperation with Libyan actors regarding migration deterrence."
- SOS Mediterranee reported a "significant increase in the presence of unidentified speed boats linked to different armed groups in Libya," with vessels conducting "chases" and "violent interceptions" by ramming boats in distress.
- Despite legal proceedings in Italy, France, and Germany, the NGO noted "European and national authorities have remained silent" and called for "a full and independent investigation."
- The United Nations' International Organization for Migration reported a 111% increase in deaths during the first four months of the year, while migrant arrivals fell 46% to 8,577 due to tougher European policies.
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During the period from June to July, at least seven vessels were identified "related to Libyan actors" and "armed groups", which approached "high-speed" vessels or followed them for hours.
Migrants, rescue ships face threats at sea by Libyan groups, NGO says
The International Organisation for Migration said this month that the number of deaths in the Mediterranean had increased, while the number of migrants attempting the crossing had fallen because of tougher European policies.
The NGO points to an intensification of threats and violent interceptions at sea, attributed to Libyan actors and armed groups in a context of European cooperation.
Radio France Internationale
Migrants, rescue ships face threats, harassment at sea: aid group
Thousands of people have died crossing from Africa to Europe and SOS Mediterranee is leading part of a network of ships and planes that monitor these waters. The group said that the central Mediterranean was becoming "increasingly hostile", which it stated was bolstered by "the expansion of European cooperation with Libyan actors regarding migration deterrence". SOS Mediterranee said that on at least seven occasions in June and July, boats "link…
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