[European News]
ACT protest today at Italian consulate
Photo: consulate website
At 12 noon today there will be a protest in front of the Italian Consulate in New York City, calling on the government of Italy to drop charges against captain Carola Rackete and the crew of the Sea-Watch 3, to release the boat from impound, and reverse the policy of closing Italian ports to humanitarian vessels.
Every year, thousands of migrants from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East die while crossing the Mediterranean. The crossing has grown more dangerous since Italy closed its ports to humanitarian vessels a year ago. Carola Rackete and the crew of the Sea-Watch 3 rescued 41 migrants from the Mediterranean and docked at the Italian port of Lampedusa despite attempts to turn them away.
Italian right-wing Interior Minister Matteo Salvini continues to prosecute Rackete and impound the Sea-Watch 3, despite an Italian judge finding that Rackete was acting to save lives. On July 6, protesters in dozens of cities around the world will participate in an International Day of Solidarity in support of Rackete, the Sea-Watch 3, and humanitarian treatment of migrants.
When and Where:
Saturday, July 6, 12:00-1:00pm Consulate General of Italy 690 Park Ave, New York, NY 10065
Who: African Communities Together; City of Refuge Coalition; refugee, immigrant, religious, and humanitarian organizations.
Visuals: Life-size orange rafts symbolizing migrants who have died crossing the Mediterrenean.
African Communities Together (ACT) is an organization of African immigrants fighting for civil rights, opportunity, and a better life for ourselves and our families in the U.S. and around the world.
