“The feeling is that we have all lost as a society,” said Gino Cecchettin after the Venice Court of Assizes sentenced Filippo Turetta to life imprisonment for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Giulia Cecchettin, on November 11, 2023, in Fossò. Speaking to reporters, Cecchettin shared his complex emotions: “I’m neither more relieved nor sadder than yesterday or tomorrow—it’s a strange sensation. Justice has been served, and I respect it, but as human beings, we must do more. Gender violence must be fought with prevention, though such concepts still feel far away.”
The verdict, read by presiding judge Stefano Manduzio, excluded aggravating circumstances of cruelty and threats under Article 612-bis of the penal code. While respecting the ruling, Cecchettin emphasized the need to continue the fight: “This battle against violence is one society must take up. We need to better define what constitutes cruelty or stalking. For me, today was a necessary stop in respecting the laws we’ve created as a civil society, but the journey moves to other fields.” Cecchettin also reaffirmed his commitment to the foundation established in Giulia’s memory, which aims to save lives through education and prevention.
Reflecting on the broader implications, Cecchettin acknowledged the toll of this tragedy: “I was prepared to accept any verdict, but being here today, all together, feels like a loss in itself. Justice has been served under current laws, but as a society, we’ve failed to prevent this violence. My path is clear—I’ll continue advocating, working with the foundation and scientific committee to drive change and protect others from the fate my daughter faced.”
