German aid crew tried in Sicily

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The ex-head of a German humanitarian organisation has gone on trial in Sicily, charged, along with two others, with aiding illegal immigration.

Elias Bierdel led the Cap Anamur relief group whose ship rescued 37 stranded African migrants in 2004.

The ship searched for a friendly port for three weeks before eventually being allowed to dock in Sicily.

Campaigners have lashed out at the case, saying it criminalises actions that were purely humanitarian.

All 37 migrants, from Ghana and Nigeria, were returned to their home nations after landing in Sicily. Many had said that they were fleeing fighting in Sudan's troubled Darfur region.

Italian authorities said at the time that none of the group were genuine refugees.

Italy, with its long and porous coastline, is a major target for migrants seeking to enter Europe.

'No crime'

Mr Bierdel, as well as the ship's captain and first officer, were arrested and held for days after the ship docked in Sicily.

The Cap Anamur group, which helps refugees worldwide, defended the actions of the three men.

"We are convinced that the defendants were acting in humanitarian interests and in no way violated humanitarian law," the organisation said in a statement.

"Rescuing refugees stranded at sea cannot and should not be a crime."

The defendants face up to 12 years in prison if found guilty of trafficking immigrants as well as a hefty fine of 15,000 euros ($20,000, £10,300) per immigrant brought into the country.

The next hearing is due to take place on 11 December.