Italian judges have once again intervened to block the deportation of migrants to Albania, ordering the return of seven men who had been sent to an Albanian migration center under a new agreement to curb illegal migration.
The seven men, originally from Egypt and Bangladesh, were rescued by the Italian Coast Guard last week and then transferred to a temporary detention center in Shëngjin, Albania. Italian authorities argued that they should be returned to their countries of origin, which Italy designates as “safe.” However, the judges referenced a European Union Court ruling that contradicts this stance, preventing their deportation.
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, leader of right-wing “League” party, criticized the decision, attributing it to “politicized judges” whom he claims “would like to abolish Italy’s borders.” Salvini added, “Another political ruling, directed not against the government but against Italians and their security.”
