Italy accused of spying journalists
Zeta Italy News Paragon Solutions, Israeli military spyware company made to prevent criminal activities, has revoked its contract. The accusation is the abuse of the software by the Italian government for the surveillance of journalists through WhatsApp. The allegations are denied.
Neutrality towards Us sanctions
The government has chosen not to sign a joint statement opposing US sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC). The sanctions target ICC officials investigating potential US crimes. While 79 countries signed the declaration, Italy opted for a neutral stand. This decision reflects its diplomatic stance between allies and international law.
Nordio responds on Al-Masri Case
Italian Justice Minister Carlo Nordio is preparing a letter to the International Criminal Court (ICC) after facing accusations of omission for not addressing alleged war crimes. Meanwhile, the Italian government clarified that there is no ICC case against Italy regarding the Al-Masri case. While speculation persists, the ICC has not taken action against any Italian officials.
Fake Minister’s voice used to defraud entrepreneurs
Scammers impersonated Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, using computer-generated voice imitation to call entrepreneurs. They requested large sums, claiming the money was for ransoms to free kidnapped Italian journalists. Some entrepreneurs were deceived, with one losing up to one million euros. Minister Crosetto has reported the fraud to authorities and warned the public to be cautious.
Robber shot dead by security guard in Rome
The 24-year-old man, of Romanian origin, was attempting to break into an apartment with a gang of thieves. The security guard reportedly fired multiple shots, hitting him in the head. He was hospitalized in critical condition last night and underwent surgery, but did not survive. The Carabinieri have launched an inquiry, and the security guard is being investigated for attempted murder.
Daughter goes to school alone after mother collapses and dies
“My mom fell and wouldn’t get up, so I came by myself,” the seven-year-old girl told her teachers. She showed up alone at her school in Piedimonte San Germano, near Rome, unlike every other day when her mother would walk her there. The teachers tried calling home, but no one answered. They reached the father, who rushed home to find his wife lifeless on the floor. Paramedics confirmed she had died of natural causes.
People in the streets in Sicily due to tremors
An earthquake struck Messina, with an estimated magnitude between 4.8 and 5.3. The quake was felt in several areas of the province, including Palermo and the Aeolian Islands where people rushed into the streets. The tremor was also felt in Calabria. So far, no damage has been reported to emergency centers.
The “King of Paparazzi”, Rino Barillari, turns 80
He captured La Dolce Vita icons like Fellini and Sophia Loren, along with international stars like Liz Taylor. Historic moments, including the ’68 student protests, were also in his lens. His work often angered VIPs, sometimes leading to physical clashes—the latest in May 2024, when Gerard Depardieu knocked him out at the Harris bar on Via Veneto. Another close call came with Marlon Brando, who once chased him with a bottle on Tiber Island.
Arte Fiera kicks off today, unveiling a new exclusive section
Italy’s longest-running art fair, with 51 years of history and 48 editions, runs until February 9. Alongside the Main Section, which showcases both historicized and contemporary art, there are four curated sections. Three are well-established—Photography and Moving Images, Painting XXI, and Multiples—while the newest, invitation-only Perspective, is dedicated to artists’ and galleries’ research programs.
Italian tennis reaches the semifinal at ATP Rotterdam
Mattia Bellucci continues his run at the ATP 500 Rotterdam tournament, defeating world No. 12 Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-2. Ranked No. 92, Bellucci now moves on to the semifinal, where he will face Alex De Minaur, world No. 8 and the tournament’s No. 3 in the tournament.
