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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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Journalist Ordered to Pay Damages for Mocking Italian PM’s Height

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An Italian journalist, Giulia Cortese, has been ordered to pay Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni €5,000 (£4,210) in damages for social media posts mocking Meloni’s height. A judge ruled that two tweets by Cortese, who also received a suspended fine of €1,200, were defamatory and constituted “body shaming.”

The incident began in October 2021 when Meloni’s far-right Brothers of Italy party was in opposition. Cortese posted a doctored image on X (formerly Twitter) showing Meloni with a framed photo of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini in the background. Meloni condemned the image as extremely serious and announced legal action. Cortese deleted the image, admitting it was fake but accused Meloni of creating a “media pillory” against her. She called Meloni a “little woman” and later tweeted, “You don’t scare me, Giorgia Meloni. After all, you’re only 1.2m [3ft 9in] tall. I can’t even see you.” Meloni’s actual height is reported as 1.63m (5ft 3in) in Italian media.

Cortese was cleared of any wrongdoing for posting the doctored image but was convicted for the subsequent tweets. She has the option to appeal but hasn’t decided yet. Meloni’s lawyer stated that any awarded money would be donated to charity.

Cortese reacted to the verdict on X, criticizing the Italian government for its stance on freedom of expression and journalistic dissent. She compared the situation to Hungary under Viktor Orbán, expressing concern for independent journalists and opinion leaders in Italy. Cortese added that while she is proud to be Italian, the country deserves better than its current government.

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Italy’s PM Condemns Fascist Nostalgia Following Youth Wing Scandal

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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her frustration and disappointment to her Brothers of Italy (FdI) party members following investigative reports showing the party’s youth wing engaging in fascist salutes and using racist and antisemitic language. In a letter, Meloni asserted that there is no place in FdI for racism, antisemitism, or nostalgia for totalitarian regimes, condemning such behavior as detrimental to the party’s mission.

The reports by the investigative outlet Fanpage involved undercover journalists who captured National Youth wing (Gioventù Nazionale – GN) members chanting fascist and Nazi slogans. Subsequent footage revealed members making derogatory remarks about disabled individuals, along with racist and antisemitic comments. Following the exposé, some former GN members came forward to confirm similar behaviors in local branches.

Prominent GN members implicated in the investigation, such as Elisa Segnini and Flaminia Pace, resigned from their positions after their involvement was revealed. Holocaust survivor and Italian senator Liliana Segre condemned the resurfacing of such rhetoric, expressing distress over witnessing it again at her age.

Minister Luca Ciriani of FdI claimed the reports were based on out-of-context, fragmented images taken privately, while Senate President Ignazio La Russa condemned the GN’s language, asserting it contradicted the party’s values. Although Meloni initially criticized Fanpage’s methods and questioned the fairness of targeting only FdI, she acknowledged the incompatibility of racist, antisemitic, or nostalgic ideas with the party’s principles.

Opposition senator Simona Malpezzi argued that Meloni should have praised the journalists for uncovering the serious issues within GN and distanced herself from the implicated members. Meloni had previously lauded GN’s young supporters, describing them as rare and valuable for their political engagement.

Since leading a right-wing coalition and becoming Italy’s prime minister in 2022, Meloni has faced numerous controversies related to the far-right roots of Brothers of Italy, tracing back to the Italian Social Movement (MSI) founded by Mussolini supporters post-World War II. In June, a spokesperson for a key Meloni ally resigned over racist and antisemitic remarks in wiretapped communications.

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Von der Leyen Nominated for Second Term as EU Commission President

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EU leaders have nominated Ursula von der Leyen, the current European Commission head, for a second five-year term during a summit in Brussels. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has been selected as the EU’s next foreign affairs chief, and former Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa has been chosen as the next chairman of EU summits. All three candidates are from centrist, pro-EU factions.

The European Parliament will vote on the nominations of Ms. von der Leyen and Ms. Kallas. Von der Leyen is from Germany’s centre-right, Costa is a socialist, and Kallas is a liberal. This leadership package represents continuity for the EU amid geopolitical uncertainty, despite a recent surge in support for hard-right parties in the European Parliament elections.

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has shown resistance, stating that the plans ignore the successes of hard-right parties like her own. Meloni, who heads the right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) bloc, abstained from voting for von der Leyen and voted against Costa and Kallas. Despite the ECR becoming the third largest group in the European Parliament, Meloni was not included in the nomination discussions.

Meloni expressed frustration, arguing that European voters had asked for a different direction. Without naming names, she criticized those who believe in oligarchy as the only acceptable form of democracy.

Von der Leyen will need 361 votes from the European Parliament for confirmation. Support from the centre-right European People’s Party, liberals, and social democrats could give her enough backing, but it will be close. Diplomats suggest that von der Leyen might seek Meloni’s support by offering Italy a powerful commission post.

Von der Leyen expressed gratitude for her nomination and highlighted the importance of supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, a task that may become more complex if Donald Trump wins the upcoming US presidential election.

Kallas, known for her strong support of Ukraine and criticism of the Kremlin, acknowledged the significant responsibility of her new role. Some critics are concerned that her firm stance on Russia could pose challenges.

Costa praised his colleagues and emphasized the importance of European unity and resilience. He will replace Belgium’s Charles Michel, and Kallas will succeed Spain’s Josep Borrell.

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Florence elects first woman mayor

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Florence has elected its first female mayor, Sara Funaro, who decisively defeated her right-wing opponent. A local councillor from the centre-left Democratic Party (PD), Funaro secured governance of the Italian city with over 60% of the vote. Her opponent, Eike Schmidt, a former director of Florence’s Uffizi Gallery and a candidate backed by Italy’s far-right coalition government, garnered 39%.

This election concluded a series of votes in which centre-left parties claimed victories in five regional capitals. As the vote count progressed, Funaro expressed her excitement and dedicated her victory to her grandfather, Piero Bargellini, known for his leadership during the 1966 Florence flood. Despite his loss, Schmidt, a political newcomer born in Germany, stated that his campaign performed well and remained optimistic.

Funaro’s win is part of a broader success for Italy’s centre-left alliance, led by the PD. In recent votes, the alliance maintained control of Bergamo in Lombardy and Bari in Puglia, and captured Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital, and Perugia in Umbria from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s far-right ruling coalition. This follows significant gains by the right in the recent European Parliament elections.

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Roberto Baggio Injured in Home Robbery

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Roberto Baggio, the renowned former footballer who played for Juventus and AC Milan, recently endured a harrowing experience at his home in northern Italy. At around 10:00 PM local time, intruders broke into his villa in Altavilla Vicentina. During the robbery, Baggio, aged 57, was struck on the forehead with a gun, resulting in a minor injury that required stitches. He was quickly taken to an emergency room in Arzignano for treatment. Despite the physical wounds, Baggio emphasized the emotional toll of the incident, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support and stating his determination to overcome the fear that lingered after the ordeal.

Luca Zaia, the president of the Veneto region, publicly denounced the robbery, describing Baggio as a cherished symbol of both local and national football. He extended well wishes for Baggio’s recovery, acknowledging the trauma inflicted upon the footballer and his family. The incident unfolded while Baggio and his loved ones were watching a European Championships football match, underscoring the sudden and shocking nature of the intrusion.

Reports indicate that Baggio and his family were held captive in a room while the burglars searched the premises for valuables over a span of about 40 minutes. Eventually, Baggio managed to free himself and alert the authorities, who are now investigating the incident with the help of CCTV footage from the scene. The community and fans alike have rallied around Baggio, expressing solidarity and hoping for justice to be swiftly served against those responsible for the violent break-in.

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Farm Laborer Dies in Italy After Arm Severed by Machinery

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An Indian farm laborer in Italy, Satnam Singh, tragically died after being abandoned by the roadside following a severe accident. Singh’s arm was severed, and his legs were crushed by heavy machinery while working in a vegetable field in Lazio, near Rome. His employer, Antonello Lovato, allegedly transported Singh and his wife in a van, leaving them near their home, with Singh’s severed arm placed in a fruit box. Medical assistance arrived an hour and a half later, and Singh was airlifted to a hospital in Rome, where he died on Wednesday. Lovato is now under investigation for criminal negligence and manslaughter.

Lovato’s father claimed that Singh had been warned to stay away from the machinery but did not heed the advice. Italy’s Minister of Labour, Marina Calderone, condemned the incident as an “act of barbarity.” Singh, in his early 30s, had been living and working in Italy as an undocumented migrant for around two years. The Indian embassy in Italy expressed deep sorrow over Singh’s death and stated that it was coordinating with local authorities.

The Flai CGIL trade union has called for a strike of agricultural workers on Saturday to protest Singh’s death. Union secretary general Maurizio Landini highlighted the severe exploitation within the agricultural sector, likening it to modern slavery, especially for undocumented workers.

The Lazio area, where Singh worked, hosts large farms and a significant Punjabi and Sikh population, many of whom work as farmhands. Undocumented laborers in Italy often fall victim to the “caporalato” system, where middlemen illegally recruit workers for extremely low wages. Even legally documented workers frequently earn far below the legal minimum wage. A 2018 study by the Italian National Institute of Statistics found that nearly a quarter of the agricultural workforce in Italy was employed through this method. This exploitative system also affects workers in the service and construction industries.

Despite the outlawing of caporalato in 2016, following the death of an Italian woman working under harsh conditions, the exploitation persists. Thousands of agricultural workers in Italy, both Italian and migrant, work without contracts in dangerous conditions, often paying for transportation to remote fields and living in isolated, substandard housing without access to education or healthcare. In 2018, 16 agricultural workers died in two separate road accidents in Puglia, prompting African migrant laborers to strike against poor working conditions. Recently, two individuals in Puglia were arrested for caporalato, having recruited and exploited several dozen workers.

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