Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi has stated that the government will appeal a recent court decision from Palermo that requires the Italian state to compensate the German NGO Sea Watch with €70,000 plus interest. This ruling relates to the unjust detention of the Sea Watch 3 vessel during a controversial incident known as the 'Rackete case', where Sea Watch's actions in rescuing migrants sparked significant political debate in Italy.

Piantedosi emphasized the government's commitment to contest judicial decisions they view as flawed, asserting that Italy’s judiciary allows for appeals and highlighting their intention to pursue this route. He noted that the so-called naval blockade of migrant ships is a distinct legal proposal currently under parliamentary consideration, indicating that the government is exploring new regulatory frameworks to manage migration. Moreover, he pointed out that under the current administration's policies, there has been a gradual decrease in irregular migrant arrivals, suggesting a link between governance and the statistics on migration.

These developments reflect ongoing tensions in Italy regarding migration policy, especially as public sentiment and political rhetoric remain polarized. The appeal against the Sea Watch ruling will likely draw further scrutiny from both humanitarian organizations and political opponents, complicating the narrative surrounding Italy’s approach to handling migrant rescue operations and the responsibilities of government entities involved in such cases.