NEWS FROM LAMPEDUSA – Migrants thrown in the sea for “lightening” the boats. “A youth under shock after seeing his brother die”, says the psychologist

ROME, 13 MAY – He is 17 years old and arrived at Lampedusa on one of the many floating wrecks landing on the island. He is under shock, and the psychologist understands why only after having talked to him, he saw his brother die after being thrown in the sea for “lightening” a too heavy boat. This one of the tragic experiences that Ignazio Accomando, NIHMP psychologist, listened to in Lampedusa during the emergency.
“The young man – says Accomando – was under shock because he assisted to the scene of his brother being thrown in the sea by other migrants, or by the ‘heads’, for lightening the boat”, and he declares that, according to the testimonies collected, “It is not the only case”.
“Sometimes – says the psychologist – the choice of who is to be ‘sacrificed’ depends upon religious factors. In this case it was a Muslim”. A high number of stories of despair was collected in those days. “Those people are exposed to very high levels of stress. In general, before arriving in Lampedusa, they face death at least for three times. Firstly during the journey from sub-Saharan countries to the desert of Libya […]; then in the desert, where they are threatened by local bands and plunderers. And finally, during the sea journey on floating wrecks. At last, when the ‘dream’ comes true and they arrive on the dry land, some of them have no idea of where they are. “Many youths, men and women – says the psychologist – do not know that they are in Lampedusa; some of them are convinced that they can get to Canada. Many people are completely unaware of what is happening”.  “But for them, points out Accomando, the ‘journey of hope’ really represents their sole possibility. The only important thing is to flee death and torture for the fighting chance of a better life”. This is what comes out from their stories, that the game is always worth the candle. (ANSA Press Agency).