Salvini: Judicial persecution against those defending our borders

Rome, July 18, 2025 – “The Palermo Prosecutor’s Office appealing Matteo Salvini’s acquittal in the Open Arms case is yet another example of judicial harassment against those defending Italy’s borders. It’s an affront to justice and common sense. As President Meloni has also pointed out, it’s absurd to keep targeting someone who simply did his duty while so many real emergencies go unaddressed. We need respect for court rulings, the separation of powers, and the Italian people, who won’t stand for the judiciary being used to wage ideological battles. Italy won’t back down. We will always defend legality, security, and sovereignty,” said MP Simone Billi, whip of the Lega Salvini Premier group in the Foreign Affairs Committee.