Governing parties in Italy have called for a presidential pardon for Mario Roggero, a 72-year-old jeweler who fatally shot two robbers during a heist at his shop. They argue that any prison sentence would effectively amount to a life sentence given his age, according to reports.
In 2021, Roggero shot and killed two men and injured a third after they robbed his jewelry store in Grinzane Cavour, a town in northern Italy. Surveillance footage captured Roggero pursuing the three men outside his store after the robbery was complete.
At the time of the robbery, Roggero’s wife and daughter were inside the store. The robbers were armed with a toy gun and a knife.
Roggero has received strong support from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s coalition, which opposes his conviction, claiming he was defending his life and property.
Jeweler Sentenced to Nearly 15 Years in Prison
Despite the support, Italy’s Supreme Court dismissed Roggero’s appeal against the 14 years and 9 months prison sentence, affirming lower court rulings that he exceeded the limits of self-defense as the threat from the robbers had ceased when he fired.
Matteo Salvini, leader of the far-right League party, part of the ruling coalition, commented, “After a lifetime of work, I don’t think it’s fair to spend years in prison at 72 after being assaulted and robbed.”
The governing parties announced they would gather signatures for a pardon request. According to Italian law, the Ministry of Justice reviews such requests before presenting them to President Sergio Mattarella.
Roggero’s Case Deeply Divides Italy
The case has caused a significant divide in public opinion in Italy. Critics of Roggero believe he crossed the line of legitimate defense when he fired outside his store.
Roggero has maintained his innocence on social media, where he has thousands of supporters, and has also sought donations to cover his legal expenses. Italian media reported that he turned himself in at the prison in Fossano, northern Italy, on Thursday.
After his conviction was finalized, Roggero released a video thanking his supporters and urging them to continue fighting for what he termed a justice system that needs to respond to “crime that is increasingly out of control.”
