Malta: Migrants held at sea launch legal case

Europe in Review

Around 30 migrants who were held at sea for over a month on vessels chartered by the Malta authorities have filed a constitutional complaint with a court in that country, alleging inhuman treatment and violations of the European Convention on Human Rights. [AP]

More than 400 migrants had left Libya on a number of boats in late April 2020. But they were not allowed to disembark in Malta at a time when the country had closed its ports amid the Covid pandemic.

The migrants were eventually permitted ashore in early June after more than a month aboard tourism vessels not intended for long-term accommodation. The Maltese government denies wrongdoing. It said it respected the migrants’ dignity and rights, adding that they had been given suitable temporary accommodation, given the pandemic. [ABC News/AP]

The case had its first procedural hearing on 18 November. The next hearing is expected in January. [Independent]

(ka/pk)