Rescued people standing close together in a row.
More than 23.000 people lost their life in the Central Mediterranean Sea since 2014. It remains one of the world’s deadliest borders.      source: IMO

The crew of the Iuventa was conducting Search and Rescue operations during 2016 and 2017, until the ship was confiscated by Italian authorities on 2nd August 2017.
A part of the iuventa-crew and employees of 2 other NGO’s were under investigation for “aiding and abetting unauthorised immigration” and charges were brought against them. On 21 May 2022, pre-trial proceedings were opened.

 

After a series of hearings, a decision on whether to continue or drop the case will be made in the first half of 2024.

 

Judge to announce decision in IUVENTA case on 19 April

March 2, 2024

Today marked the final day of the preliminary hearing against the iuventa-crew. Following the prosecution’s unexpected request to drop the charges, the defense delivered a powerful closing argument, demanding not only the dismissal of the case but also the full recognition of the legality of all actions.

We are not simply fighting a case in court. We need your support! Sign up for regular updates, let us make solidarity a threat again!
© iuventa crew
„This trial is not just about us. All across Europe, people are being prosecuted for handing out food, giving shelter, saving lives. I stand by my actions. How can solidarity be a crime?“

Sascha · Head of Mission IUVENTA. Find out more about criminalisation

It's not only about us! Read more about criminalisation of migration & solidarity

While it is us who to stand trial, we have our own accusation to levy:

  • We accuse European politics of actively violating the human rights of people on the move.
  • We accuse the EU of collaborating with authoritarian regimes that violate the human rights of migrants such as Libya, Tunisia, Turkey and Morocco.
  • We accuse the EU of aiding and abetting the criminalisation and imprisonment of people on the move

 

The racist border regime’s violence and arbitrary criminalisation is the crime.

 

Migration is not a crime.

 

Solidarity at sea is not a crime.
Help us prove that in court.