Constitutional reform bill advancing judicial oversight changes passes
Zeta Italy news The Chamber approved the Justice reform on the separation of the careers of prosecuting and judging magistrates with 174 votes in favor, 92 against, and 5 abstentions. The proposal includes two Superior Councils of the Judiciary (CSM) for the judiciary and prosecution, random selection of CSM members, and the creation of a High Disciplinary Court. This is the first step in the approval of the constitutional bill.
Italian Defense Minister awarded by Ukrainian President
Volodymyr Zelensky bestowed upon Guido Crosetto the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, Third Class, during their meeting in Kyiv. The Ukrainian President and the Italian Defense minister met to discuss strengthening Ukraine and security guarantees for the country. The recognition was given for his “significant personal contribution to strengthening cooperation between the two countries and supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”.
Support for the extraordinary mandate of Veneto’s governor
“Winning teams don’t change,” said Matteo Salvini, leader of Lega Nord and vice president, expressing his support for Luca Zaia’s (Lega Nord) third term as governor of the northern Italian region. An endorsement comes from Milan’s mayor, Giuseppe Sala (Democratic Party), in support of the extraordinary mandates of Zaia in Veneto and De Luca in Campania. Forza Italia remains silent, as it has always opposed this possibility.
Fugitive human trafficker arrested in South of Italy
He was apprehended by the police in Crotone under a European arrest warrant after eluding capture since 2023. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison by the Marseille Court (France) for being part of a criminal organization, the Nigerian “Arrow Baga – Supremes Vikings,” involved in facilitating illegal immigration, extortion, and sexual violence. The group has been operating in France for several years.
Italian-Venezuelan released from custody, Ministry continues efforts
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced the release of an Italian-Venezuelan detained by the National Guard in San Juan de Los Morros, Venezuela. Tajani expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing continued efforts to protect Italians in Venezuela. At least seven other Italian-Venezuelans remain imprisoned, including humanitarian worker Alberto Trentini, arrested on November 15, with no updates on his whereabouts.
Life sentence confirmed for Innocent Oseghale
The Italian Supreme Court upheld the sentence for Innocent Oseghale, rejecting the defense’s extraordinary appeal. Oseghale was convicted of the murder, rape, and dismemberment of 18-year-old Pamela Mastropietro in Macerata in 2018. The judges confirmed the severity of the sentence, siding with the Prosecutor General’s request.
Miss Italia 2023 files complaint against alleged stalker
Francesca Bergesio has filed a complaint against a man who allegedly sent her threatening messages via Facebook. Investigations by the postal police and the Cuneo mobile team led to the identification of the 31-year-old suspect from Brescia. An early hearing took place in Asti, where Miss Italia 2023, who did not attend, has joined as a civil party, intending to donate any potential compensation to a gender violence support organization.
Concerns raised over new education guidelines in Italy
Marco De Nicolò, president of the Italian Society for the Study of Contemporary History (Sissco), expressed concern not only over the emphasis on the history of Italic peoples, but also over the “ideological vision” embedded in the new primary and middle school guidelines introduced by minister Valditara. The guidelines have sparked debate regarding their impact on education.
Italy’s progress at the Australian Open
Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori have advanced to the doubles quarterfinals of the Grand Slam tennis tournament held in Melbourne. The third-seeded Italian pair defeated fellow Italian Luciano Darderi and Ecuador’s Diego Hidalgo in two tiebreaks, with a final score of 7-6 7-3, 7-6 7-4.
Winning debut at the Australia Open also for Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini, the women’s doubles Olympic champions from Paris 2024.
World Pizza Day and Saint Anthony: a historic connection
January 17 is World Pizza Day. It coincides with Saint Anthony the Abbot’s feast day. Antonio Pace, president of the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, explains the link: until the mid-1920s, Neapolitan pizza-making families honored their patron saint by working half a day, then gathering for a celebratory outing. Saint Anthony, the protector of bakers and the fire, was honored with a symbolic bonfire, marking a tradition rooted in the heart of Naples.