Journalist Cecilia Sala Freed After 20 Days in Iranian Prison
Italian journalist Cecilia Sala is back home after over 20 harrowing days in Iran’s notorious Evin prison in Tehran. Returning to Italy yesterday, she shared her ordeal with the Carabinieri, describing the dire conditions of her detention. Isolated in a cramped cell with constant light, minimal food, and no access to personal items, the 29-year-old lost all sense of time. Despite her resilience, Sala confessed in her podcast to fearing she wouldn’t endure. A recent transfer to a larger cell, where she received a book and her glasses, offered some reprieve before her release. Her first words to colleagues at Chora News: “Hi, I’m back.” Reunited with her loved ones, Sala is now safely home.
Police Crackdown on Ultras After Violent Juventus-Torino Derby
Following violent clashes between Juventus and Torino supporters during the derby on November 9, police in Turin have launched a major operation against the involved ultras. Over 100 fans engaged in violent confrontations near the Church of Gran Madre di Dio, using bats, sticks, belts, knives, and explosives. The Turin Questura, in collaboration with other regional police forces, conducted 23 personal and home searches targeting both Juventus and Torino ultras, who are under investigation for rioting, carrying offensive weapons, and disguising their identities. A total of 43 banning orders (Daspo) were issued against members of the Juventus groups “Drughi” and “Primo Novembre 1897,” along with 20 intensified bans for past offenses. Searches at the groups’ premises yielded electronic devices and clothing used during the violence. Additionally, 10 more Daspo were issued for Torino fans responsible for damage in the away section during the derby.
Human Metapneumovirus Infections Surge in China, Expert Warns
Human metapneumovirus infections are on the rise in China, transmitting through respiratory droplets from infected individuals or contact with contaminated surfaces, according to Matteo Bassetti, director of the Infectious Diseases Clinic at San Martino Hospital in Genoa. He notes that this virus, alongside respiratory syncytial virus, is a common cause of lower respiratory tract illnesses in children and immunocompromised individuals, with symptoms varying from high fever and muscle pain to nasal discharge and wheezing. There are currently no specific treatments or vaccines available for this infection, although studies suggest ribavirin may be effective. Bassetti emphasizes that good hygiene practices, such as thorough handwashing, remain the best defense against the virus.
Father Speaks Out After Son’s Death in Milan Incident
In a poignant statement, Yehia Elgaml, the father of Ramy Elgaml, who tragically died in Milan on November 24, expresses his relief at the emergence of video evidence revealing the final moments of his son’s life, stating he has full confidence in the Italian justice system. However, he is deeply troubled by the recorded comments of Carabinieri officers during the incident, which he feels show a lack of empathy, questioning how they could speak that way without considering their own children. Yehia recounts the heart-wrenching image of his son on the ground, emphasizing his grief and the sleepless nights that have followed the tragedy, saying, “My heart is shattered.”
Parish Priest Investigated for Involuntary Manslaughter After Newborn’s Death
Don Antonio Ruccia, the parish priest of San Giovanni Battista in Bari, is under investigation for involuntary manslaughter following the discovery of a deceased newborn in a thermal cradle on January 2. Alongside him, a technician responsible for the incubator’s maintenance is also being investigated. Initial testimonies suggest that the incubator, which has been in place for four years to give parents a second chance with their children, failed to activate an alarm intended to notify Don Ruccia when it was occupied. The cause of death will be further clarified through an autopsy and potential testimony from the infant’s mother, as investigators examine surveillance footage from the area. Compounding the issue, the Bari Policlinico’s management has denied any connection to the alarm system, stating it was solely linked to the priest’s phone, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
