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Italian Police Request Governance Records from 13 Fashion Brands

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Italian police visited the headquarters of 13 major fashion brands, including Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Prada, and Gucci, requesting documents on governance and supply-chain controls. The action is part of an investigation into alleged worker abuse at subcontractors, although none of the companies are under formal investigation or subject to court-appointed administration, judicial documents show.

The brands were linked to the probe after garments and subcontracting records connected to them were found in Chinese-owned workshops previously investigated in Milan. Authorities aim to assess the companies’ involvement in labour exploitation and whether their compliance systems adequately prevent such abuses. Companies will have the opportunity to address any issues internally before prosecutors consider further measures.

The move comes amid broader efforts by the Italian government to safeguard the reputation of “Made in Italy” fashion. Industry Minister Adolfo Urso recently proposed a bill for legal certification of fashion supply chains, allowing brands to pre-emptively prove compliance and protect Italy’s luxury sector, which accounts for more than half of global luxury goods production.

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Italian Mayor Apologises After Pavarotti Statue Is Accidentally Encased in Ice Rink

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A mayor in the Italian town of Pesaro has apologised to Luciano Pavarotti’s family after the late opera legend’s statue was unintentionally left knee-deep inside a Christmas ice rink. The temporary rink, built in the town’s central piazza, encircled the bronze statue with ice and clear plexiglass walls. Pavarotti’s widow, Nicoletta Mantovani, criticised the setup as an act that “ridiculed” her husband, expressing anger and disappointment at the council’s decision.

Mayor Andrea Biancani admitted the council had “made a mistake” and said he never intended to cause offence. Before the rink opened on 29 November, he even posted a playful edited image of the statue playing ice hockey, using the hashtag #DaiUnCinqueAPavarotti (“Give Pavarotti a high-five”). Mantovani, however, condemned the installation as “poorly executed” and “absurd,” noting that it disrespected the memory of a man who helped elevate Italy’s profile worldwide.

The statue, unveiled in April 2024, honours Pavarotti’s close connection to Pesaro, where he owned a villa and was an honorary citizen. Despite the backlash, the mayor said neither the sculpture nor the rink can be moved at this point but promised that such an incident would not happen again. Pavarotti, one of history’s most celebrated tenors, performed globally with the Three Tenors and famously sang “Nessun Dorma” during the 1990 World Cup. He died in 2007, leaving behind four daughters from two marriages.

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Italian Court Blocks Sicily Bridge Plan, Government Vows to Push Ahead

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An Italian court has ruled that the proposed 3,666-metre suspension bridge linking Sicily to mainland Italy violates EU environmental and tender regulations, casting a major setback for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s flagship infrastructure project. The Court of Auditors said the government failed to justify overriding environmental concerns involving coastal and marine ecosystems in Sicily and Calabria.

The project—debated for over 50 years—has long divided the country, with supporters arguing it would boost the economy and strengthen transport routes, including for NATO forces. Critics, however, warn of environmental risks, high costs, and seismic dangers. The judges also pointed out major discrepancies in project financing, noting that the new estimated cost of €13.5 billion is more than triple the original projection, potentially requiring a fresh tender under EU rules.

Despite the ruling, the government insists it remains committed to the bridge. Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini, a key backer, said the concerns can be addressed, while the Eurolink consortium selected to build the bridge expressed confidence in the project’s future. If clarifications fail, the government may attempt to override the objections through a cabinet vote, a move that could ignite further legal battles.

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Italy Passes Landmark Law Defining Femicide as a Crime

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Italy has unanimously approved a landmark law defining femicide—the murder of a woman motivated by gender—as a distinct crime punishable by life imprisonment. The vote took place on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, marking a symbolic moment after years of public pressure. The brutal 2023 killing of 22-year-old Giulia Cecchettin by her ex-boyfriend reignited national outrage and accelerated political action.

The new law, introduced by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, will ensure that gender-motivated killings are officially classified and studied. Judges and experts who helped draft the legislation argue it will expose the deeper roots of such crimes—power, control and societal patriarchy—rather than framing them as acts of jealousy or passion. Italy now joins a small group of EU countries, including Cyprus, Malta, and Croatia, that recognise femicide within their criminal codes.

However, the law has faced criticism from some legal scholars who argue its definitions may be difficult to prove in court, and from activists who warn that legislation alone is not enough. Families of victims, including Giulia’s father, emphasise the need for early emotional education to dismantle stereotypes and prevent future violence. Despite differing opinions, the unanimous vote reflects a rare moment of political unity in Italy as the country confronts the persistent issue of violence against women.

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Italy Launches Probe into Alleged ‘Sniper Safaris’ Targeting Civilians in Bosnian War

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Italian prosecutors in Milan have launched an investigation into shocking allegations that wealthy tourists from Italy and other countries paid to shoot at civilians during the Bosnian war in the early 1990s. The so-called “sniper safaris” allegedly took place in the besieged city of Sarajevo, where participants reportedly paid varying amounts to target men, women, and even children from Serb-controlled positions overlooking the city.

The complaint was filed by Italian journalist and novelist Ezio Gavazzeni, who uncovered testimonies from Bosnian intelligence officers claiming that these “human hunts” were discovered in late 1993 and stopped months later after Italy’s military intelligence service, Sismi, was informed. Gavazzeni’s findings, supported by accounts from Sarajevo’s former mayor and evidence seen in the 2022 documentary Sarajevo Safari, suggest that individuals from several countries — including Italy, the US, and Russia — were involved.

Authorities in Milan, led by counter-terrorism prosecutor Alessandro Gobbis, are now examining the evidence under charges of murder. The investigation seeks to confirm whether Italian nationals participated in these paid killing sprees that took place during the brutal four-year siege of Sarajevo, which claimed over 11,000 civilian lives. Gavazzeni condemned the alleged acts as the “indifference of evil,” underscoring the moral depravity of those who treated a war zone as a hunting ground.

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Worker Dies After Collapse of Medieval Tower Near Rome’s Colosseum

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A Romanian worker has died after being trapped for hours under the rubble following the partial collapse of the medieval Torre dei Conti near the Colosseum in Rome. Emergency services rescued the man late on Monday and rushed him to hospital in serious condition, but he later succumbed to his injuries. Another Romanian worker sustained serious but non-life-threatening head injuries, while two others suffered minor injuries. Fortunately, no firefighters were harmed during the rescue operations.

The 29-metre-high Torre dei Conti, which was undergoing restoration to be converted into a museum and conference space, partially crumbled twice on Monday — first at around 10:30 GMT and again about 90 minutes later. Video footage captured clouds of dust and falling masonry as firefighters worked with aerial ladders to stabilize the structure. Authorities have since seized the construction site to investigate the cause of the collapse, local media reported.

Built in the early 13th century by Pope Innocent III for his family, the Torre dei Conti once stood twice its current height before being reduced due to earthquake damage in the 14th and 17th centuries. The tower, located along the historic Via dei Fori Imperiali, had been closed to the public since 2006 and was undergoing a four-year EU-funded renovation project expected to conclude next year. The collapse has left the building standing but with significant internal damage.

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Italy Probes Spyware Attack Targeting WhatsApp Users, Including Activist and Journalist

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The Italian government announced an investigation into a “particularly serious” spyware incident targeting seven mobile phone users on WhatsApp. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s office denied any involvement and directed the National Cybersecurity Agency to probe the matter after reports that a journalist and a migrant rescue activist were affected.

Luca Casarini, co-founder of the Mediterranea Saving Humans charity, revealed he received a spyware alert from WhatsApp the same day Meta accused surveillance firm Paragon Solutions of targeting 90 users across several countries. Italian journalist Francesco Cancellato, editor of Fanpage, also confirmed receiving a similar alert. Both victims expressed concern about the breach, with Casarini calling it a “violation of democracy.”

Meta linked the sophisticated “zero-click” hacking method to Paragon, reportedly owned by AE Industrial Partners, and issued a cease-and-desist letter. Spyware cases were also detected in Belgium, Greece, Germany, and other EU nations. The Italian cybersecurity agency has yet to receive information on the identities of those targeted.

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Italy’s Abortion Divide Deepens Under Meloni’s Leadership

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Giorgia Meloni’s leadership has positioned Italy under one of the most openly anti-abortion prime ministers in Western Europe. In a country with a strong Catholic influence and home to the Vatican, accessing abortion services has historically been difficult.

Recently, Linda Feki, a 33-year-old singer from Naples, shared her experiences of stigma and mistreatment while seeking an abortion. Her post resonated with many Italian women, who expressed their support. However, it also drew criticism, revealing a deepening national divide over reproductive rights under Meloni’s government. Feki felt a responsibility as a public figure to advocate for abortion rights and share her story.

Abortion in Italy is legal within the first three months and, in certain circumstances, afterward to protect the mother’s health. Despite this legal framework, numerous bureaucratic, cultural, and practical barriers exist. According to health ministry data, about 63% of gynecologists in Italy refuse to perform abortions on ethical grounds, a figure that exceeds 80% in some southern regions.

Feki’s journey began at Naples’ San Paolo hospital, where a gynecologist questioned her decision to abort and incorrectly assessed her pregnancy’s stage. After obtaining confirmation from a private doctor of an earlier stage, she faced further challenges at Cardarelli hospital, where she endured severe pain without pain relief and received inadequate support post-surgery.

She underwent the procedure on March 4, the same day France recognized abortion as a constitutional right. On social media, Feki expressed her frustration over being judged immediately after surgery, insisting that there should be no stigma surrounding a woman’s right to choose.

In response to Feki’s feedback, Cardarelli hospital acknowledged potential improvements in patient care and indicated they were in contact with her. Meloni, as Italy’s first female prime minister, maintains a conservative stance, advocating for measures that promote prevention while promising to uphold the 1978 abortion law.

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Italy Launches Controversial Migrant Camp in Albania

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Italy, the European Union’s top destination for migrants, is beginning a new chapter in its migration policy by opening its first camp in Albania, part of a plan to “offshore” the migrant challenge. This initiative allows Italy to house up to 3,000 migrants per month who are rescued while attempting to reach its shores. The Shengjin camp, now operational, is set to manage migrants picked up in international waters, though it excludes women, children, and vulnerable individuals.

The Italian government has fully funded the construction of these facilities, which will operate under Italian and European legislation, according to Fabrizio Bucci, Italy’s ambassador in Albania. Once in the camp, migrants can apply for asylum in Italy; those whose requests are denied will be sent back to countries considered safe.

The agreement between the Italian and Albanian governments is set for five years, with the possibility of extension if successful in alleviating Italy’s migration burden. This year, Italy has seen about 31,000 sea arrivals, down over 50% from 2023, signaling a shift in migration trends. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who campaigned on strict migration policies, has made the Albania initiative a cornerstone of her administration.

However, the plan has faced scrutiny over its estimated cost of over €650 million (£547), with critics like MP Riccardo Magi calling it excessive for detaining a limited number of migrants. Concerns have also been raised about the ability to adequately screen rescued individuals for vulnerabilities.

Despite criticism, the initiative has garnered support from 15 EU member states, who see it as a potential model for addressing migration. As Albania seeks EU membership, the agreement could bolster its international standing, though some remain skeptical about the motivations behind it. If successful, this model may pave the way for similar arrangements with other countries in the future.

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Meloni Meets Xi: Relaunching Italy-China Relations

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Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described China as an “important interlocutor” for managing global tensions during her meeting with President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Xi acknowledged the “long-established friendly” relations and emphasized “tolerance, mutual trust, and mutual respect” between the two nations.

On her first visit to China since taking office, Meloni and Chinese Premier Li Qiang signed a three-year plan aimed at enhancing economic cooperation. This five-day trip follows Meloni’s decision last year to withdraw Italy from President Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a move motivated by the disappointing returns on the significant investment scheme intended to boost bilateral trade.

Meloni framed her visit as an effort to “relaunch” the Italy-China relationship. After discussions with Xi at Beijing’s Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, she noted the rising global insecurity and the necessity for China to play a crucial role in addressing these challenges. Meloni highlighted the need for the two countries to collaborate for stability and peace.

Italy’s prime minister’s office reported that their talks covered various global governance issues, including the Ukraine conflict, potential escalations in the Middle East, and increasing tensions in the Indo-Pacific. Xi called for both nations to “uphold the spirit of the Silk Road” to foster a new era in East-West relations, stating that both sides have significant opportunities for mutual growth and welcoming Italian investments in China while expressing a willingness to import more high-quality Italian goods.

Italy was the only major Western nation to sign onto the BRI, which was met with strong criticism from the US and other Western countries. Since assuming office in 2022, Meloni has adopted a more pro-Western and pro-NATO stance than her predecessors, previously criticizing the prior government’s decision to join the BRI as a “serious mistake.” Alicia Garcia-Herrero, chief economist for the Asia Pacific at Natixis, remarked that Meloni’s absence from the BRI allows her to engage with China on a more equal footing, as a partner rather than a subordinate.

Under Meloni’s leadership, Italy has blocked a Chinese state-owned firm from acquiring the tire manufacturer Pirelli and supported the European Commission’s recent move to impose tariffs of up to 37.6% on electric vehicles imported from China. Trade between Italy and China reached 66.8 billion euros (£56.3 billion) last year, making China Italy’s largest non-EU trading partner after the US.

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