Source Article: New Law in Italy Threatens Fines and Prison for Operators of NGO Rescue Ships that Illegally Traffic Migrants https://needtoknow.news/2019/08/new-law-in-italy-threatens-fines-and-prison-for-operators-of-ngo-rescue-ships-that-illegally-traffic-migrants/
Italy passed a controversial new law, promoted by Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, calling for the arrest of boat captains bringing unauthorized rescued refugees to Italy. Their vessels could be confiscated, and the owners of the operations will face fines from $168,000 to more than a million dollars. In June, a so-called ‘rescue’ ship, the Sea Watch, came into Italian waters and, after a 17-day stand off and ramming an Italian Coast Guard ship, the captain was arrested.