Refugee policy: Captain "Lifeline" to return to Malta – Bayern News

Claus-Peter Reisch saved refugees. From July 30, he returned to his criminal trial. Previously, however, he was honored by the Bavarian SPD.

By
Stephanie Millonig

"Salvation is not a crime, but a duty." With these words, Claus-Peter Reisch also confirmed Friday at a prize-giving ceremony by the SPD Landtag in Munich that he sees himself in the right. The Landsberger had ordered the lifeboat "Lifeline" with 234 refugees on board several days before Malta because the ship was not allowed to enter any port. "It is a shame that volunteers are rescuing people in need, if the European Union and its member states can not or do not want to be systematically criminalized," said SPD President Natascha Kohnen, at the event. The "Lifeline" was with 234 refugees on board several days before Malta

She alluded to the process that Reisch will face again from July 30th. The 57-year-old must answer the court in Malta. The prosecution assumes that the "Lifeline" flag certificate is invalid. Like other lifeboats, the Lifeline is certified by the Dutch Watersport Association as a recreational vehicle. In the Netherlands, boats of less than 50 meters in length could be registered as pleasure craft, in Germany it was 25 meters, Reisch justified it to our editors.

Captain Lifeline risks up to To one year in prison

The punishment for his offense was a year in prison or 11,600 euros fine, so his acquaintance. Reisch does not expect to be found guilty. If that is the case, he will appeal. He is defended by three lawyers from a large law firm on the island. "The police represent the prosecution," he says about the Maltese legal system. In negotiations, he gets translated words.

Reisch will travel to Malta on Sunday to be present on Monday. Another trial is scheduled for August 23rd. "I hope to return to Landsberg in between," he says.

The captain of Lifeline also has a say in our podcast. Here you can listen:

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