Italian parliament unanimously votes to make femicide a crime
Italian parliament unanimously votes to make femicide a crime38 minutes agoShareSaveSarah RainsfordSouthern and Eastern Europe correspondent , RomeShareSaveGetty ImagesA Naples protest following the death of fourteen year-old Martina Carbonaro who was killed by her ex-boyfriend in May 2025Deputies in the Italian parliament have voted unanimously to introduce the crime of femicide – the murder of a woman, motivated by gender – as a distinct law to be punished with a life sentence.
In a symbolic move, the bill was approved on the day dedicated to the elimination of violence against women worldwide.
The idea of a law on femicide had been discussed in Italy before but the murder of Giulia Cecchettin by her ex-boyfriend was a tragedy that shocked the country into action.
In late November 2022, the 22-year-old was stabbed to death by Filippo Turetta, who then wrapped her body in bags and dumped it by a lakeside.
AFP via Getty ImagesThousands gathered outside the church where Giulia Cecchett..
