THE Richard Gere said “yes” to testify against the far-right former Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, in the trial for the “Open Arms” case.
Two years ago, in August 2019, Matteo Salvini forced 147 migrants and refugees to stay off the Italian coast for six days. The rescue operation was undertaken by the Non-Governmental Organization “Open Arms”.
Actor Richard Gere was on holiday with his family in Tuscany at the time, learned about the ship, spoke to NGOs and traveled to Sicily to help transport food and supplies to people trapped on the ship.
In fact, he later attended a conference in Lampedusa and urged citizens to support the NGO and the people he rescued through a videotaped message.
«Those on board would have been lost. “, pointed out the American actor in the video.
“I came to Lampedusa again, two or three years ago, to visit an immigrant camp, so I know the situation first hand,” Gere said. “They are people who have experienced horrible situations. They have suffered a lot. They are called immigrants, but they are refugees who need help, “he added, as broadcast by the Athens News Agency, citing relevant publications.
After 19 days, all migrants and refugees were able to land in Lampedusa.
Last week, lawyers representing Open Arms filed a list of witnesses willing to testify against Salvini, including the actor. In a communication with the Guardian, it was confirmed with Open Arms that Gere will testify, if the judge allows it. The court ruling is expected on October 23.
Salvini vs. Gere: If anyone wants to see him go to the cinema not to court
“If someone wants to turn the trial into a show and wants to see Richard Gere, let him go to the movies, not to court.”, Salvini pointed out for his part, according to the Ansa news agency.
“I know him as an actor, but I do not understand what lessons he wants to teach me,” he added, but promised to ask for Gere’s autograph for his mother.
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