A new lawsuit filed in the European Court of Human Rights alleges that Italy’s cooperation with the Libyan Coast Guard results in gross human rights violations. The suit claims that by allowing Libya to intercept migrant boats and return them to shore, Italy is aiding in the inhumane conditions, beatings, rape and starvation of migrants. The lawsuit is based on the account of 17 survivors of a boat sinking who were taken back to Libya. If the suit is successful, it would throw into doubt the cooperation agreements signed by Italy and Libya - and endorsed by EU leaders - last year.