Italian human rights organizations have expressed strong criticism following a judicial investigation into medical professionals suspected of assisting undocumented migrants in avoiding detention centers. On Wednesday, prosecutors ordered searches involving 21 infectious disease specialists and two psychiatrists associated with facilities where individuals without legal residency status are held pending deportation.
Authorities allege that some medical certificates may have been issued to falsely declare undocumented foreign nationals as medically unfit for detention. During the operation, investigators searched the homes of the medical professionals and seized their mobile phones.
Chiara Montaldo of Doctors Without Borders (MSF) issued a statement condemning the probe, asserting that it is essential for doctors to carry out their duties without external conditioning. Montaldo further characterized the detention centers as environments where the right to health is systematically compromised and human rights are frequently violated.
The immigration lawyers’ association ASGI also voiced concern regarding the investigation. The group stated that the probe could pressure doctors into acting as bureaucrats who authorize detentions without conducting necessary independent health assessments.
Italy currently operates nine detention centers for individuals awaiting repatriation. The government has implemented a series of measures to address illegal immigration and has advocated for the establishment of additional migrant detention facilities outside of the European Union, a proposal that has received support from several other member states.
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