On Friday, the Appeals Court in Lecce’s Taranto branch annulled the first-degree ruling in the “Ambiente Svenduto” case, which involved alleged environmental violations at the former ILVA steel plant in Taranto. Instead of issuing a new verdict, Judge Antonio Del Coco accepted the defense’s request to transfer the trial to Potenza, citing “legitimate suspicion.” According to defense lawyers, both the judges and jurors in Taranto were personally affected by the environmental damage, thus compromising their impartiality. The court’s decision came as a surprise, and the reasons behind it will be filed within 15 days.
The ruling means the case will now restart in Potenza, where a new trial will begin from scratch. Back in May 2021, 26 individuals were convicted, including former ILVA owners Fabio and Nicola Riva, sentenced to 22 and 20 years in prison, respectively. High-profile figures such as former Puglia Governor Nichi Vendola and former Taranto Province President Gianni Florido were also sentenced. The decision to annul the previous verdict has sparked outrage among environmental activists and politicians, with Angelo Bonelli of Alleanza Verdi e Sinistra saying, “Was the pollution invented? Are deaths and illnesses without responsibility? This is not justice.”
The former ILVA plant has been in financial crisis for years, with production nearly halting in recent months. Despite this, the Italian government remains determined to prevent its closure due to the severe social and economic repercussions. The plant alone employs approximately 10,500 workers, and its operations impact many other companies through subcontracting.
In July, the European Commission approved a €320 million “bridge loan” from the Italian government to Acciaierie d’Italia, the company now managing the plant. This move is seen as a lifeline to keep the steel giant afloat, but concerns over environmental responsibility and the fate of the trial loom large.
For the residents of Taranto, who have long suffered the effects of pollution, the annulment of the verdict feels like a step backward. Many are left wondering if justice will ever be served for the damage inflicted on their community.
