Sayeed Muhammad: Migrants trapped on a ship in a Sicilian port for six days have been allowed to disembark, ending a stand-off between the Italian government and other European states.
Italy had refused allowing most of the migrants off until a solution was reached regarding their relocation, reports BBC.
Late on Saturday, Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, who is under investigation for his role in the stand-off, revealed a number of bishops had agreed to take them in.
Sicilian prosecutors opened an inquiry into possible illegal confinement, illegal arrest, and abuse of power.
The fate of the 140 migrants, mostly Eritreans, has prompted local protests throughout the week, drawing international attention.
The Diciotti arrived in the Sicilian port of Catania last Monday, but until Saturday only small groups had been allowed into Italy.
The minister refused the vessel permission to disembark until the EU agreed to distribute the migrants among other countries, saying he did not want the migrants to be a “burden” on Italian citizens.
Under the EU rules, people must seek asylum where they arrive, but Italy has increasingly barred boats from docking.
Earlier this week 27 unaccompanied minors and 13 people in need of urgent medical help were also allowed to get off. Some of those left onboard were reported to be refusing food in protest.
Since 2014, more than 640,000 migrants have landed on Italy’s shores. The UN says more than 1,600 people have lost their lives trying to cross into Europe this year so far.
In July 450 migrants were allowed to disembark in Sicily once France, Germany, Malta, Portugal and Spain had each agreed to take 50 migrants each.