To Miguel Duarte's surprise, the initial
goal of the crowdfunding campaign launched on June 7 by the Portuguese
association Humans Before Borders has already been surpassed several times
and, during the writing of this article, already had more than 30,000 euros.
Speaking to the Public, the 26-year-old
Portuguese, who is being accused by the Italian courts of aiding illegal
immigration, admits to being moved by the show of solidarity in recent days.
"They see tears in my eyes when they
see how many people are attentive and want to contribute in some way. Sometimes
we have a bit of a hard time because we feel alone in this fight – we also get
a lot of comments and messages of disapproval. But the truth is that there are
many people who show their support and show a willingness to help us in this
fight."
The young man, who is part of the NGO
Solidarity at Sea, saved thousands of refugees in the Mediterranean Sea aboard
the ship Iuventa. Along with nine other colleagues, Miguel is being
investigated by the Prosecutor's Office in Trapani and risks a 20-year prison
sentence and thousands of euros in fines.
According to the association that created
this initiative, the team of lawyers of these ten volunteers estimates that the
legal costs of the process reach 500,000 euros. In addition, the defense also
adds travel to meetings between crew members, with the legal team and for court
hearings.
"At this point, our going to court is
quite likely, according to our lawyers. But I am confident that we will not end
up convicted and that the Italian authorities will realize that this
investigation is perfectly political," the Portuguese the newspaper.
The fundraiser will remain open until July
12.
