Italian Authorities Seize Migrant Charity Ship Following Numerous Rescues

Italian authorities have impounded a vessel operated by Spanish charity Open Arms after it conducted multiple rescues of migrants stranded in the Mediterranean. The boat was detained for 20 days and the captain and head of mission were questioned. The charity is expected to receive a fine for an alleged breach of rules requiring immediate sailing to port after a rescue. The Italian government, which takes a hard line against illegal immigration, passed new rules in February to crack down on rescue vessels. Migrant arrivals in Italy have nearly doubled this year compared to 2022.