Italy has passed an emergency decree that limits the entry of ships into its territorial waters, a move aimed at curbing the activity of migrant rescue boats operated by charities.
The cabinet approved the measure two weeks after the anti-immigrant League triumphed in European parliamentary elections, increasing the clout of its leader Matteo Salvini who campaigned hard on security and migration issues, The National writes.
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Under the decree, boats entering Italian waters in violation of international law or ignoring the orders of Italian authorities can be fined from €10,000 (Dh41,000) to €50,000. In the case of repeated violations, boats can be seized..
"I think we have approved a step forward for the security of this country," said Mr Salvini, Italy’s Interior Minister.