Italian Officials Face Manslaughter Charges in Deadly Migrant Shipwreck

In Crotone, Italy, prosecutors have notified two coastguard members and four police officers of potential charges in a migrant shipwreck that killed 94 people. The officials may face multiple manslaughter and negligence charges related to the February 2023 incident. Matteo Salvini has criticized the move, offering support to the officials.

In the southern Italian city of Crotone, prosecutors have informed two coastguard members and four police officers that they may face further action over a migrant shipwreck that claimed at least 94 lives.

The prosecutors believe the six officials—two from the coastguard and four from the Guardia di Finanza police force—could be charged with multiple manslaughter and negligence, alleging their actions may have contributed to the early 2023 disaster. According to Italian law, prosecutors must request a judge's approval to call a formal trial upon completing their investigation.

The accident, which is among the deadliest in Italy's history, involved a wooden sailboat that departed from Turkey in February 2023 and shattered on rocks near the town of Cutro in Calabria. Besides targeting the people smugglers responsible for organizing the journey, authorities are scrutinizing officials for possible errors during the rescue operation. Two smugglers have already been convicted, and three are currently on trial; another trafficker died in the wreck.

Matteo Salvini, leader of the hard-right, anti-immigrant League party and deputy prime minister, harshly criticized the prosecutors' move, expressing "unconditional support" for Italian police.