Iranian Rezappourmoghaddam Motjabu told judges at a pretrial hearing in Crotone against three alleged smugglers that the group had been instructed to sing praises to the smuggler who was said to have organised the crossing.
A fourth suspected smuggler, a minor, is facing separate legal proceedings in Catanzaro.
Only 80 people survived the shipwreck, which occurred in rough seas just a few dozen metres from the beach after several day's sailing.
Questions have been asked as to why the Italian coast guard failed to steam out and assist the boat, which had been spotted by a Frontex plane but not flagged as being at risk.
The Italian government has denied suggestions there was any deliberate delay, and passed a decree at Cutro last month to clamp down on migrant smugglers and boost legal pathways to Italy.
The decree, with amendments, is currently before parliament for conversion into law.
ANSA
