Giuseppe Santalucia, the head of the National Association of Magistrates (ANM), warned media tensions and suspicions surrounding a trial can lead to verbal violence and threats. This after the last of the Open Arms trial prosecutors received protection.
Santalucia’s comments came after Giorgia Righi was assigned a security detail following threats. Righi is one of the Open Arms trial prosecutors who requested a six-year prison sentence for Matteo Salvini.
Santalucia stated, “If a climate of media tension is created around a trial, these are the possible consequences. Trials must take place in a calm atmosphere for everyone’s benefit.” He added any operation that casts doubt on a trial’s integrity can result in verbal violence and threats, particularly on magistrates. He called for wisdom, noting that controversies are “damaging and prejudicial.”
Righi, a member of the DDA anti-mafia investigative division, was the only State attorney on the case who had not yet been provided protection. The prosecution team requested a six-year sentence for Salvini, accusing him of kidnapping and refusing to perform official duties. The charges relate to his decision, five years ago, to prevent 147 migrants from disembarking from the Spanish NGO rescue ship Open Arms in Lampedusa.
Trial hearing today in Palermo
A hearing in the trial was scheduled for Friday.
In response, members of Salvini’s League party held a protest in Palermo to show solidarity with their leader.
Among the demonstrators were Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara and Regional Affairs Minister Roberto Calderoli, along with several lawmakers and League members.
