Italian jeweler gets 14 years for killing two robbers after heist

Mario Roggero, a 72-year-old jeweler from Gallo di Grinzane, will serve 14 years and 9 months in prison after Italy's Supreme Court of Cassation delivered its final verdict in the case of him shooting two robbers and wounding a third. Roggero, who maintained he acted in self-defense, stated the sentence is practically a life sentence given his age. The case has captivated Italy, igniting widespread discussion about the boundaries of self-defense and appropriate responses to violent attacks.

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practically a life sentence

Supporters of the jeweler argue that he was protecting his family during a violent robbery and that crime victims should have greater latitude to defend themselves. Conversely, those who support the conviction contend that the right to self-defense cannot be absolute. They emphasize the need for legal distinctions between reactions to immediate danger and extreme actions taken after a direct threat has subsided. This perspective holds that protecting oneself should not grant unlimited use of force and that a rule-of-law state must balance individual defense rights with clear regulations on violence.

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victims of crime must have more freedom to defend themselves

The incident occurred on April 28, 2021, when three armed men robbed Roggero's jewelry store, stealing valuables, tying up his daughter, and threatening his wife. After the robbers fled, Roggero pursued them and fired his legally owned pistol, killing two and injuring the third. Investigators deemed his actions not self-defense but revenge, as the robbery had concluded and the men were attempting to escape when he opened fire. Roggero stated in court that he acted out of fear and believed his wife was in danger.

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the right to self-defense cannot be interpreted without limits