Call to free Tunisian fishermen

By Alix Kroeger
BBC News, Brussels

A campaign has been launched for the release of seven Tunisian fishermen charged with human trafficking, who say they were rescuing migrants in danger.

The MEPs behind the campaign say the indictment of the fishermen is the result of a serious error by the Italian authorities.

But an Italian court has rejected the Tunisians' application for bail.

On Friday, the MEPs will travel to the island of Lampedusa to join a demonstration for the men's release.

The fishermen had picked up 44 African migrants - including two children - and had brought them to Lampedusa.

The island, off Sicily, is one of the closest points of European land to the African coast, and a frequent washing-up place for migrants, alive or dead.

These migrants spent three days and nights clinging to a tuna pen Enlarge Image

The fishermen were arrested and remanded in custody, pending a hearing next month.

If convicted of human trafficking, they could face up to 15 years in prison.

But the MEPs say the fishermen saved the migrants' lives, and that the charges against them are the result of a serious error.

In May of this year, Malta faced international criticism after a Maltese fishing boat refused to pick up 26 African migrants.

The migrants spent three days clinging to a tuna pen after their boat broke up at sea.

The European Union and the International Maritime Organisation are now reviewing the law of the sea to determine who bears what responsibility for rescues in which territorial waters.