Summary
An Italian court started a trial for four police officers and two coastguard members over their actions during a 2023 shipwreck that killed at least 94 migrants. The trial, taking place in Crotone, involves charges of involuntary manslaughter and negligent handling of the shipwreck. The boat was coming from Turkiye and carried people from Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and Syria when it crashed.
Key Facts
- The trial is happening in the southern Italian city of Crotone.
- The shipwreck took place on February 26, 2023.
- At least 94 migrants died in the crash, including 35 children.
- The accused face charges of involuntary manslaughter and "culpable shipwreck."
- Prosecutors say police failed to provide the coastguard with important information.
- The European Union's Frontex agency saw the ship struggling and alerted authorities.
- The boat was carrying migrants from Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and Syria.
- The trial is viewed as a broader critique of the Italian government's immigration policies.
