Prosecutors in Sicily have sought a six-year prison sentence for Salvini, who served as interior minister at the time, according to the BBC.

The case revolves around his decision to block a rescue vessel belonging to the non-governmental organization (NGO) Open Arms which was carrying 147 migrants rescued off the Libyan coast from docking on the island of Lampedusa.

The migrants were left stranded at sea for nearly three weeks, during which time their health deteriorated significantly.

Eventually, a Sicilian prosecutor ordered the ship to be seized after inspecting its "difficult situation on board," the BBC noted.

Salvini, leader of the right-wing Lega party, has dismissed the accusations, arguing that his actions aimed to "protect Italy" and accused the judiciary of being "political."

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has publicly supported her deputy, describing the trial as "a serious precedent" and expressing "solidarity" with Salvini, according to the British media outlet.

Critics, however, have accused him of using the trial to spread propaganda.

BBC quoted Elly Schlein, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, as criticizing Salvini for "fueling a serious institutional clash."

The trial has also sparked international reactions.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban called the proceedings "shameful," while US tech billionaire Elon Musk said on X that "the prosecutor should be the one in prison."

If convicted, Salvini plans to appeal to Italy’s highest court, a process that could take months.

His role in government and parliament would remain unaffected during the appeal.

Members of Salvini's Lega party have rallied behind him, with demonstrations planned and statements calling the trial an attack on the Italian people's sovereignty.

"Convicting Salvini would be like convicting all of Italy," said Lega deputy secretary Andrea Crippa.

The outcome of the trial could have significant political implications for Italy and its handling of migration policy.

AzVision.az

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