Court of Appeal Rejects Migrant Detention in Albania Amid EU ‘Safe Country’ Debate
On Friday, the Rome Court of Appeal ruled against the Italian government’s detention of 43 migrants in an asylum center in Gjader, Albania, ordering that their detention be deemed illegal because the countries of origin—such as Bangladesh and Egypt—do not meet the EU “safe country” criteria. The decision, which follows similar rulings in October and November, has led to the referral of the case to the European Court of Justice for a final determination expected on February 25. Meanwhile, the 49 migrants originally transported by the Italian military vessel Cassiopea have seen six already returned to Italy for failing to meet detention requirements, and the remaining individuals now have 14 days to file an appeal, as they await the outcome of their asylum procedures while remaining in Italy.
Lega Withdraws Amendment to Cultural Decree, Proposes Urgent Bill
In a bid to avoid political division and streamline legislative action, the Lega has withdrawn its controversial amendment to the cultural decree on heritage superintendencies—an amendment that would have rendered their opinions non-binding—and will instead present an urgent bill with the same content. Rossano Sasso, leader of the Carroccio in the Culture Commission of the Chamber, told Agenzia DIRE that while the amendment sparked necessary debate and drew attention to the issue, the core substance remains unchanged and will be incorporated into a comprehensive legislative proposal. This decision follows a negative opinion from Minister Alessandro Giuli and aims to maintain unity between Lega and Fratelli d’Italia, as the commission resumes its work later today and the bill is slated for presentation in the Senate.
Cosenza Family Under Investigation for Alleged Child Abuse
In Cosenza, a mother and grandmother are under investigation for domestic abuse and inflicting bodily harm on two young siblings, aged 2 and 4, who have been repeatedly hospitalized following suspected beatings. The older child was admitted on January 19 with rib injuries and a broken clavicle, while the younger, initially discharged against medical advice, was readmitted on January 25 for testicular inflammation—an alarming recurrence that prompted further inquiry. During a police visit to the family home, authorities discovered that the younger child had also previously suffered an arm fracture. Currently, both children are receiving care in the Pediatric Surgery unit of Annunziata Hospital, though neither is in life-threatening condition. The two women, who deny all allegations of mistreatment, have been served restraining orders, and the children have been placed under the guardianship of Dr. Fawzi Shweiki.
Preliminary Investigation Closed in Natisone River Tragedy Over Rescue Failures
Three victims—Patrizia Cormos, Bianca Doros, and Cristian Molnar—died on May 31 in Premariacco when the rising waters of the Natisone River overwhelmed them, a tragedy attributed to the “incompetence, negligence, and recklessness” of those coordinating the rescue. The Udine Prosecutor’s Office has now closed its preliminary investigation and issued closure notices to three firefighters and one nurse from the Sores operations center. Investigators focused on the management of emergency calls—six in total, including desperate pleas from Patrizia and reports from passersby—while no charges have been brought against the on-site rescuers. The four individuals under scrutiny have 20 days to submit their defense documents as the case, which highlights significant failings in emergency response, draws to a close.
Italy’s Path to Women’s Suffrage: A Historic Transformation
In a landmark move, a legislative decree on February 1, 1945, granted Italian women over 21 the right to vote—a change achieved after decades of struggle for universal suffrage that had its roots in the Statuto Albertino of 1861. Although women first exercised their franchise in the municipal elections of March 10, 1946—not during the June 2 referendum—they responded in record numbers, electing nearly 2,000 candidates and even Italy’s first female mayors. This pivotal reform, which followed numerous rejected petitions and stalled initiatives during the 19th and early 20th centuries, overcame the obstacles posed by previous electoral laws and the Fascist regime, ultimately reshaping Italy’s democratic landscape and affirming the long-fought demand for gender equality.
