European Policies Create New Dangers on Mediterranean
In just a few years, the
dreams of European immigration hardliners have become reality on the
Mediterranean. Volunteer sea rescue operations have been shut down, and the
route across the sea is more dangerous than ever.
SPIEGEL ONLINE
Nicolo Lanfranchi/ laif
The rescue ship Aquarius arrives in Malta. |
"I was prepared for all of that," says Heinz. But in that moment, he felt incredibly lonely. "I had the feeling that nobody cared whether we just drifted out here. This kind of thing shouldn't be happening here in Europe." When Malta's coast guard ultimately brought the migrants on board days later, two women had already collapsed. Even without refugees, the crew of the Alan Kurdi wasn't allowed on land. The helpers had to head south. Thirteen days after saving 64 people, they were allowed to disembark -- in Tunis.
For refugees, Europe is increasingly becoming a fortress without a gate. Even volunteer maritime rescuers are now being criminalized. Ports are closed to them. Ships are confiscated. Helpers are put on trial. Lifeline captain Claus-Peter Reisch was just sentenced to pay 10,000 euros by a Maltese court because his ship hadn't been properly registered. The Italian Public Prosecutor's Office is accusing 10 volunteers from the vessel Iuventa of illegal immigration. The crew could face up to 20 years in prison.
With their blockade policy, the Europeans have decimated the flotilla of private maritime rescuers, which at one point included as many as 12 ships. Now, on many days, not a single rescue ship can be found patrolling the waters between Europe and North Africa.
The EU completely ceased maritime rescues in the fall. It merely monitors the sea from the air and cooperates with the Libyan coast guard, which has expanded its search zone since 2017. The Libyan ships capture refugees near their own coast and bring them back to the country, which is in the midst of a civil war. They place them in camps, where many are tortured, raped or, in some cases, forced to become soldiers.
The EU's Charter of Fundamental Rights guarantees protection to people who are fleeing from war or political persecution. But the EU member states have, in practical terms, eliminated it. They have sealed their borders, expelled refugee helpers and erected fences. They pay autocrats like Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to prevent migrants from continuing their journey.