Probe finds evidence of contact between rescue groups, smugglers

ROME — An investigation of humanitarian groups operating refugee rescue ships in the Mediterranean has turned up evidence of contacts between some of the organizations and Libyan human smugglers, a prosecutor based in Sicily said in comments published Sunday.

Catania Chief Prosecutor Carmelo Zuccaro was quoted as saying in an interview with La Stampa newspaper that his office’s probe has revealed “evidence that there are direct contacts between some NGOs and human traffickers in Libya.”

“Now and for some time already, the NGOs are saving lives in the sea,” Amnesty International official Gianni Rufini told Italian news agency ANSA.

Under maritime rules involving distressed boats, Italy’s coast guard, which coordinates operations in the search-and-rescue zone between Sicily and Libya’s territorial waters, frequently calls on private vessels near foundering dinghies or fishing boats crowded with migrants.

“We don’t know if and how to utilize this information in the judicial process, but we’re certain enough of what we’re saying: (there are) telephone calls from Libya to some NGOs” and other evidence, the prosecutor was quoted as saying.