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Shocking Video: The Moment an Italian Goldsmith Shoots and Kills Two Robbers – The Case Dividing the Country
🇬🇷 Greece /Crime & Justice

Shocking Video: The Moment an Italian Goldsmith Shoots and Kills Two Robbers – The Case Dividing the Country

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources In the courts
  • An Italian goldsmith, Mario Roggiero, has been sentenced to 14 years and 9 months in prison for killing two robbers in 2021.
  • The court ruled that Roggiero fired on the fleeing robbers, exceeding the bounds of self-defense.
  • The verdict has sparked controversy and calls for a presidential pardon, with politicians expressing support for Roggiero.

An Italian goldsmith, Mario Roggiero, has been sentenced to 14 years and 9 months in prison for the murder of two robbers during a heist at his jewelry store in April 2021. The Supreme Court of Italy announced the verdict, and the 72-year-old Roggiero intends to surrender to authorities.

The incident occurred in Grinzane Cavour, Piedmont, when three armed men stormed Roggiero's shop. After the robbers fled, Roggiero pursued them and fired his legally owned handgun, fatally shooting Giuseppe Mazzarino and Andrea Spinelli, while wounding a third accomplice, Alessandro Modica. Security camera footage captured the entire event, showing the robbers' entry, the theft, and Roggiero's pursuit and shooting.

The court's decision was based on the conclusion that Roggiero fired upon the robbers as they were escaping by car, and thus no longer posed an immediate threat to his life, ruling out self-defense. The defense's claim that Roggiero acted in a state of "mental confusion" was not accepted by the court.

Many Italians are on his side.

— Matteo SalviniExpressing public support for Roggiero after the verdict.

Following the verdict, significant political reactions emerged. Matteo Salvini, leader of the League party and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, publicly supported Roggiero, stating that "many Italians are on his side" and that they would collectively seek a presidential pardon. The Minister of Justice, Carlo Nordio, also indicated that all possibilities should be explored for Roggiero's return home, initiating a relevant process.

Legal analysts note that vigilantism is not considered a lawful act in Italy. They also point out that demanding an immediate pardon for someone convicted of two murders, after three consecutive convictions, is highly unusual. The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, has reportedly summoned the Justice Minister, reminding him that granting pardons is an exclusive presidential prerogative.

We must explore every possibility so that Roggiero can return home.

— Carlo NordioIndicating the Ministry of Justice's intention to seek a resolution for Roggiero.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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