Italy, EU-financed Libyan coast guard actions result in tragedy

A patrol boat supplied by Italy and financed by the European Union for the Libyan Coast Guard opened fire during a rescue operation, leading to at least one person drowning and numerous others forcibly returned to Libya, in blatant violation of international law.

“Our eyewitness crew documented the illegal interception of approximately 50 people by the Libyan patrol boat, with individuals ending up in the water.”

Despite repeated offers of support and warnings about the violation of international law, the Libyans threatened to open fire, coercing Humanity 1 to withdraw from the scene.

Later, during the rescue of three other boats, the same patrol boat once again disrupted the operation, resulting in people in the water. This time, the threats turned into action as the Libyan Coast Guard fired live ammunition dangerously close to individuals in distress. Tragically, one person was left behind and subsequently drowned.

The patrol boat in question, identified as a Corrubia-class vessel, was delivered to Libya by Italy last summer. The alarming use of violence and violation of human rights by the so-called Libyan Coast Guard has raised concerns about the continued financial support from Europe. The incident prompts a critical question: How long will Europe finance actions leading to violence and human rights abuses at its external borders?

Expressing shock and outrage over the senseless loss of life, calls are mounting for Italy and the European Union to immediately halt their support for the so-called Libyan Coast Guard. The incident underscores the urgent need for a thorough investigation into the actions of the Libyan Coast Guard and questions the broader implications of European involvement in such operations.