Libyan military strongman threatens Italian ships trying to stop flow of migrants – Telegraph.co.uk

Category: Libya

"There will be no harm done or slight given to Libyan sovereignty, because, if anything, our aim is to strengthen Libyan sovereignty," Roberta Pinotti, the Italian defence minister, told parliament.

But in widespread social media posts, Libyans protested against the Italian presence. Many posted pictures ofOmar al-Mukhtar, anational hero who fought the Italian forces in the early 1900s.

One Italian patrol boat has already reached Libyan waters and a second is due to arrive soon.

Human rights groups have criticised the Italian naval mission, saying it would leave people languishing in detention centres in Libya where they face potential torture or even death.

Italy, along with other EU member states, should be focusing on increasing its search and rescue operations. Instead it has chosen to shirk its responsibilities and endanger the very people it says it is trying to help, said Amnesty International.

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Libyan military strongman threatens Italian ships trying to stop flow of migrants - Telegraph.co.uk

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August 5th, 2017
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