Lampedusa tragedy: Government’s attitude ‘irresponsible’ – AD

Following Italian media accusing the government and the AFM Commander of having serious responsibilities in the death of migrants in the 11 October Lampedusa tragedy, Alternattiva Demokratika has called on the government to respond the allegations as it may tarnish Malta's name.

"The government's attitude is totally irresponsible. It has a duty to respond and to clear our country's good name," AD Chairperson Arnold Cassola said while bemoaning the curt "no comment" the AFM issued.

According to Italy's investigative journalism magazine l'Espresso, the Italian navy ignored the rescue calls from a sinking fishing boat that claimed the lives of over 260 Syrian and other nationals on 11 October at sea, to "pass the buck" to Malta.

Journalist Fabrizio Gatti published documentary evidence showing that Italy's Libra patrol boat was a short distance away from the boat that was carrying over 460 migrants, but did not intervene.

MaltaToday filed a Freedom of Information request demanding to know exactly what happened on 11 October, but so far questions to the Armed Forces of Malta have so far gone unanswered.

Green Party has called on the government and the AFM Commander to rebut the Italian media's allegations that Malta has serious responsibilities in the death of these people.

"With Italian media levelling these allegations against Malta, the government has a duty to clarify Malta's stand," Cassola argued.