Italy arrests two after three Afghans among four migrant workers die in suspected arson attack

Four migrant farm workers, including three Afghan nationals and one Pakistani citizen, were killed after a vehicle caught fire in southern Italy, Italian media reported on Wednesday. The incident occurred in a tanker truck near the village of Amendolara in the southern region of Calabria, according to local reports. Italian police have arrested two Pakistani nationals on suspicion of murder after security camera footage allegedly showed two individuals locking the vehicle’s doors from the outside before pouring a flammable liquid into the truck and setting it on fire. A survivor told investigators that the workers had been subjected to threats and pressure before the incident and, in some cases, were forced to work without pay. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the deaths, which have renewed concerns about the treatment of migrant labourers in Italy’s agricultural sector. Human rights groups have repeatedly warned that migrant workers, particularly refugees and asylum seekers, remain vulnerable to exploitation, unsafe working conditions and labour abuse across parts of southern Europe. Many Afghan migrants in Europe have fled decades of conflict, economic hardship and political instability. In recent years, rights organizations have raised concerns about the growing risks faced by Afghans whose asylum claims have been rejected or who face the threat of deportation. The tragedy comes as European governments continue to debate migration and asylum policies amid rising numbers of arrivals from conflict-affected countries. Aid agencies have urged authorities to strengthen protections for migrant workers and ensure access to legal employment, housing and humanitarian assistance. Italian media reported that similar incidents involving attacks on vehicles carrying migrant workers have increased in the region in recent months, prompting calls for stronger law enforcement measures and improved safeguards for vulnerable labourers. The post Italy arrests two after three Afghans among four migrant workers die in suspected arson attack appeared first on Khaama Press.