Italy’s highest court has rejected a request by a German group to release its migrant rescue boat seized eight months ago by prosecutors. They are investigating allegations that non-governmental organizations colluded with migrant smugglers. Prosecutors say the ‘Iuventa’ was seized based on three episodes in which crew members had contact with migrant smugglers. The German group, Jugend Rettet, said Tuesday that it was devastated by the Cassation Court’s ruling, adding that it “will fight for the right to rescue people in danger at sea,” AP said. According to Doctors Without Borders, the ruling sends a signal that Europe will continue “to criminalize humanitarian organizations conducting search-and-rescue operations… rather than strengthening capacities to save lives at sea.”