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The Agrigento prosecutor's office opened an investigation against X for "sequestration of persons and abuse of power" following Matteo Salvini's refusal to allow the ship's landing in Italy. LOCAL TEAM / AFP

After 16 days at sea, including two anchored off Lampedusa, the ship " Open Arms " is still waiting for authorization to land in the port of the Sicilian island. On board, 134 migrants including about thirty minors. The situation could be unblocked in the coming hours thanks to a decision of the Agrigento prosecutor's office.

From our correspondent in Rome , Anne Le Nir

Six European countries, including France, have given their agreement in principle to welcome migrants while calls by the crew of the Open Arms are becoming more and more urgent. " The situation on board becomes explosive ", according to the statements of the commander, Marc Reig. Migrants are exhausted. Some would even have suicidal behavior.

Salvini does not want to give way

In this context of gravity and urgency, the Agrigento prosecutor's office opened an investigation against X for "sequestration of persons and abuse of power". The Palermo Tribunal is asking that the 28 unaccompanied minors be disembarked as soon as possible to be safe.

But Interior Minister Matteo Salvini still does not want to give way. On the one hand, he accuses the Spanish NGO of delivering only political battles on the backs of migrants and against Italy.

On the other hand, he blames the six European countries willing to welcome the castaways of the Open Arms to have made only formal steps. However, the agreement can not be implemented until the vessel has docked in the port of Lampedusa. Italian justice will undoubtedly have the last word.