The European Court’s ruling on the Terra dei Fuochi crisis and other news of the day

European Court Condemns Italy Over “Terra dei Fuochi” Crisis

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled that Italy violated the right to life of residents in the “Terra dei Fuochi” area, where organized crime has illegally disposed of hazardous waste for decades. The court found that the Italian government failed to act with due diligence and urgency, despite long-standing knowledge of the environmental and health crisis, which has been linked to increased cancer rates and congenital disorders. Italy has been ordered to implement a comprehensive strategy, establish an independent monitoring system, and create a public information platform within two years. The ruling, which stems from a case filed by 41 individuals and five associations, is binding, though not automatically enforceable. While Italy has taken measures since 2013, the court deemed them insufficient and delayed. The decision, one of the most significant international condemnations of Italy’s handling of the crisis, could set a precedent for future environmental justice cases.

FedEx Italy Under Investigation for Tax Evasion and Illegal Labor Practices

The Milan prosecutor’s office is investigating the Italian division of FedEx for alleged tax evasion and illegal labor outsourcing. Authorities have ordered the preventive seizure of €46 million, pending judicial confirmation. Two managers, Stefania Pezzetti and Bernd Haaksman, are under investigation for their role in the company’s tax filings in 2022 and 2023, while FedEx itself faces administrative liability for potential offenses committed by its executives. Prosecutors claim the company benefited from a scheme involving subcontractors that recruited low-cost, precarious workers while evading VAT and social security contributions. Similar illicit practices have been uncovered in past investigations into the logistics sector.

Overtourism Crisis: Roccaraso Implements Traffic Restrictions After Tourist Surge

The Abruzzo ski resort of Roccaraso has introduced alternating license plate rules for tourist buses after an unprecedented influx of visitors, mainly from Naples, overwhelmed local infrastructure. On January 26 alone, over 250 buses brought around 20,000 people to the area, causing severe congestion and parking issues along State Road 17. The surge, fueled by social media influencers, has sparked controversy, with critics calling it the “anti-Neapolitan rule.” While Mayor Francesco Di Donato insists the measure aims to regulate access rather than block tourism, the debate continues over whether stricter restrictions or better infrastructure is the solution to Roccaraso’s overtourism crisis.

Emis Killa Withdraws from Sanremo 2025 Amid Investigation

Rapper Emis Killa has announced his withdrawal from Sanremo 2025, where he was set to perform his song “Demoni,” stating he learned about his investigation only through the media. He had previously received a Daspo, which prohibits him from entering stadiums for three years, but the news of the investigation prompted him to step back, as he wishes to avoid media circuses. Killa is currently under investigation by the Milan Prosecutor’s Office for alleged criminal association related to the “Doppia curva” inquiry into criminal activities among football ultras. He expressed hope for a swift resolution to the situation and a future opportunity to participate in the festival focused solely on music.

Fabrizio Corona Responds to Chiara Ferragni’s Outburst Against Fedez

Hours after Chiara Ferragni expressed her frustration towards Fedez, Fabrizio Corona took to Instagram to criticize the influencer, claiming her comments are a distraction from her ongoing legal issues. According to Corona, Ferragni’s delayed reaction is merely a tactic to shift focus from the ‘Pandoro gate’ controversy, portraying herself as the perfect victim while Fedez is cast as the villain. He promises to reveal more about the complicated love triangle involving Fedez, Ferragni, and their alleged third party, Montini, vowing to disclose details about Ferragni’s past, including her supposed infidelities and untruths over the years, and provocatively mentioning her past with singer Achille Lauro.