This year alone, at least 85 women have been murdered in Italy because of their gender. Prime Minister Meloni spoke of “barbarism”. Parliament has now passed legislation intended to provide better protection.
Due to the large number of cases of violence against women and girls, there will now be a special paragraph in the Italian criminal code prohibiting so-called femicides. The parliament in Rome passed a new law which is now taking effect. Therefore, crimes against women based on gender are punishable by life imprisonment. In addition, possible penalties for stalking and distribution of fake videos have been tightened. Women’s shelters should get more money.
An “important sign against the barbarism of violence against women”
The new regulations were unanimously approved by the Board of Deputies in the evening. The Senate approved it in the summer. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni spoke of “an important signal against the barbarism of violence against women”. What is new is that the term femicide has been introduced into the Italian legal system as a separate crime: Article 577 provides for life imprisonment if a woman is killed because of her gender, out of hatred or to suppress her freedom.
At least 85 women have been murdered in Italy this year
Such punishments have also been possible before in Italy: last year, life imprisonment was imposed several times for the murder of women. It also included the conviction of a 22-year-old student who killed his ex-girlfriend, who was a year older than him, and then fled to Germany. According to official statistics, at least 85 women have been murdered in Italy since the start of this year. Most crimes occur within families or between friends.
