Proactiva Open Arms could face prison and €15k per rescued refugee

Three members of the Catalan NGO Proactiva Open Arms under investigation in Italy for allegedly “fostering illegal immigration” and “criminal association” could face prison sentences of between 5 and 15 years, as well as a fine of 15,000 euros per each person saved in a rescue operation last Thursday, as reported by Catalan media. In total, 216 migrants were saved from drowning in the Mediterranean.

The refugee rescue ship of the organization is currently blocked in Sicily, awaiting a judicial decision on the alleged offenses. The director and founder of the NGO, Òscar Camps, warned on Monday that the organization doesn’t currently dispose of any other ship to effectively resume rescue operations.