Giorgia Meloni, leader of the right-wing party Brothers of Italy, has launched a strong attack on judges after a court in Catania refused to confirm the arrest of three refugees staying at a center in Pozzallo, contradicting the Cutro decree and calling into question its entire structure. Meloni expressed her astonishment at the court’s decision, claiming that the judge had released an illegal immigrant based on “incredible arguments,” and accused the judiciary of opposing the democratically elected government. Matteo Piantedosi, responsible for the Interior Ministry, said they would appeal the verdict.
The judge in question, Iolanda Apostolico, has come under fire from political parties, with Matteo Salvini, leader of the League party, threatening to hold the judge accountable in Parliament. Opposition politicians are also criticizing Meloni’s attack on the judiciary. Elly Schlein accused Meloni of fueling institutional conflict, while Francesco Boccia called her words an affront to the impartiality of the judiciary and accused her right-wing party of disrespecting the Constitution. Even Giuseppe Conte, leader of the Five Star Movement, called on Meloni to stop creating imaginary enemies and instead focus on finding solutions.
The National Magistrates Association has also called for respect and an end to the misleading representation of the judiciary. However, Meloni’s party, Brothers of Italy, is standing by her and criticizing the judge who issued the verdict. Forza Italia has also joined the criticism, accusing the judiciary of being politicized. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts between Rome and Berlin continue to find a solution to the issue of German funding for NGOs involved in migrant rescue operations. Talks between Italian Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Giorgia Meloni suggest the possibility of a bilateral meeting in Granada to clarify the situation.
In the midst of this controversy, Andrea Giambruno, partner of the prime minister, issued a public apology for his previous comments on “transhumance” of migrants from Africa to Europe, acknowledging that his words were inappropriate. He stressed that accusations of racism are far from his beliefs and personal history.
“Migranti in Italia: Giorgia Meloni denuncia l’aiuto all’illegalità”
