Italian open borders activists face trial for illegal migrant sea rescue in legal first

They cite a 125,000 euro ($140,000) payment from Maersk to Idra Social Shipping, which owns the Mare Jonio. Mediterranea denies the accusation, calling the payment a "transparent donation" to support rescue efforts.

Casarini said the trial, ordered by a court in Ragusa, would offer an opportunity to scrutinise official conduct during the incident.

"We will call as witnesses the ministers and authorities who decided to leave 27 human beings adrift in the middle of the sea," he said.