PROTESTERS gathered outside the Italian embassy in London today to demand the country improves its treatment of migrants.

The Italian government has a deal with Libya which allows migrants to be pushed back and taken to Libyan detention centres where they can be subjected to abusive treatment including torture, rape, enslavement, starvation and death, according to Campaign Against the Arms Trade (CAAT).

Around 50,000 migrants have been caught in this system since 2017 and the deal between Italy and Libya is due to be renewed on November 2, CAAT said.

Campaigners are calling it “a death sentence for migrants.”

A coalition of groups took part in the protest including CAAT, the Migrants’ Rights Network (MRN), Channel Rescue and the All African Women’s Group.

The protest was one of 10 which happened in major cities across Europe.

MRN chief executive officer Fizza Qureshi said: “Today is an important day to remember all those who have lost their lives due to “fortress Europe.”

“We are proud to stand in solidarity with all those experiencing violence at the hands of Europe’s borders, including here in the UK.

“With a government intent on pursuing laws to increasingly restrict the ability to seek asylum and safety here, it is more important than ever that we challenge these increasingly hostile and cruel legislations.

“At MRN, we believe the freedom to move is an integral part of the human experience and we must stand against the demonisation of migrated people.”

CAAT spokesperson Amber Rose Dewey said: “The renewal of the Italy-Libya Memorandum would be a death sentence for migrants.

“We came together in London today to stand in solidarity with those resisting in Libya and all people who have died due to violent militarised borders.”