The Ministry of Home Affairs has responded to allegations from journalist Charlotte Wirth, confirming that a Luxembourg-based helicopter is used in Frontex missions and refuting claims of human rights violations.
The Ministry of Home Affairs is addressing concerns following a legal complaint filed by journalist Charlotte Wirth. The complaint arose because the ministry did not release certain requested information related to an article on Frontex (European Border and Coast Guard Agency) activities.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs expressed regret that Wirth's article did not include facts from a response the ministry claims was sent to her. The ministry also stated that the requested documents could not be provided as they are classified as "sensitive."
The ministry confirmed that a helicopter from the Luxembourg-based company "Air Ambulance" has been used in Frontex missions in the Mediterranean. According to the ministry, this helicopter has been operational for seven years and has saved "hundreds of lives" of refugees.
The ministry emphasised that the Luxembourgish helicopter has not been involved in any incidents that violated the fundamental rights of migrants.
Additionally, the ministry clarified that the information collected by the helicopter is not shared with the Tunisian Coast Guard but is directed to Italian authorities. Wirth had written in her article that the information passed on by the Luxembourgish helicopter was also used in "pushback actions" against refugees.
