Matteo Salvini, The leader of the right-wing Northern League party, mocked the actor’s fate for not allowing an immigrant ship to dock in the country in 2019. Richard Gere Will be accepted as a witness.

Salvini, then Italian interior minister, appeared at the second trial in the Sicilian capital, Palermo, on Saturday, where the court approved the list of witnesses.

Witnesses included former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, other Italian politicians, and Hollywood actor Richard Gere, who joined the Spanish NGO Proctiva Open Arms – sailing the rescue ship – delivering food to the people on board.

“Now you tell me how serious an experiment Richard Ger came from Hollywood to testify how bad I am,” Salvini said.

Proactive Open Arms told the court that Gerin could directly explain the condition of the ship, which was stranded for 19 days on the Italian island of Lampedusa.

It is not clear whether Ger will appear in person to testify at the trial.

Salvini, who made the most of his political fortune in the anti-immigration campaign, has only done his duty as a minister.

He said it was not only the duty of a minister but also the duty of all to protect the borders, security, honor and dignity of a country. “Surreal is facing trial for doing my duty.”

“A Spanish boat that refuses to go to Spain is being abused,” he added. “If Spain gives its flag to boats it can not control, then there is a problem.”

Salvini faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted at the end of a lengthy three-stage court case.

A final sentence may prevent him from future government office.

The court will hear new arguments on December 17.