Italian government approves decree on fines for migrant rescue NGOs





Rome (dpa) - Italy's populist government on Tuesday adopted a decree introducing fines for migrant rescue charities sponsored by hardline Interior Minister Matteo Salvini.



 
The measure states that private ships which ignore orders not to enter Italian territorial waters should be charged 10,000-50,000 euros (11,200-55,800 dollars) upon docking in Italy.
It also hands over to Salvini's ministry the power to issue such orders, which was previously in the hands of the transport and infrastructure ministry.
The fines are payable by the captain, the operator and the owner of the vessel. Repeat offenders face the additional penalty of the permanent impounding of their ship.
Salvini hailed the decree, whose approval was delayed by several weeks due to misgivings from the Italian presidency about its constitutionality, and criticism from the United Nations.
He called it a "step forward the security of this country" and said he was "absolutely sure about the fact that it is compliant" with all national and international laws.
The decree also introduce tougher punishments for people who take part in street riots or clashes with police, and violent football fans.

Tuesday, June 11th 2019
(dpa)
           


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