In Italy, a judge has ordered the release of a university researcher accused by police of aiding in the organization of protests earlier this month, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister of Italy. Meloni labeled the ruling as “shameful,” according to reports.
The individual in question, Youssef Siher, 30, a geopolitics graduate of Moroccan descent, was detained on October 24 by prosecutors in Milan under accusations of inciting terrorist crimes.
Judge Tiziana Landoni dismissed the prosecutors’ claims that sought to portray Siher as a dangerous militant, asserting that the investigation was fundamentally flawed.
Judge Landoni stated in her ruling, “There is no serious basis to believe he committed the alleged acts, nor is there a risk of him fleeing.”
“An Insufferable Humiliation”
Although prosecutors have not commented on the ruling, Meloni reacted swiftly, expressing her outrage.
“I believe this is an insufferable humiliation for the work of the police and investigators. I really don’t understand how a normal state can protect decent people in light of decisions made by certain segments of the judiciary,” Meloni remarked in a video posted on social media.
The Italian police identified Siher as the administrator of the Telegram group “October 17 Movement,” which emerged following the violent protests in Milan.
According to the arrest warrant, Siher was accused of posting what investigators labeled as “subversive content” and messages inviting protests on October 24 aimed at committing acts against public order.
Furthermore, Judge Landoni noted that these comments were made by other group members and not by Siher himself. “He did not encourage or support the violent actions promoted by those users,” the judge wrote.
The case has garnered significant attention in Italy, particularly as prosecutors invoked a new offense introduced by Meloni’s government last month.
This new offense carries a prison sentence of four to twelve years for organizers of groups that threaten public safety or cause material damage while participating in public demonstrations.
Siher’s arrest has raised concerns among some Italian attorneys, with critics pointing out the extensive media coverage that has portrayed him as guilty, revealing detailed information about his life and family.
