Italy: Tens of thousands of people have protested across Italy, demanding an end to violence against women. The protests took place amid surging public anger over the murder of Ms. Giulia Cecchettin, a 22-year-old biomedical engineering student who had been due to graduate from the University of Padua last week.
Ms. Cecchettin was allegedly killed by her ex-boyfriend, Mr. Filippo Turetta, days before she was due to graduate. Large crowds participated in protests across Milan and Naples, and there was gridlock in the centre of the capital, Rome.
Italy’s President, Mr. Sergio Mattarella, stated that the murder of women could not be tolerated. In a statement marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Mr. Mattarella commented that “dramatic news stories have shaken the country’s conscience. A human society that aspires to be civilised cannot accept or endure this string of attacks on women and murders.” The Italian President further noted that violence against women was a failure of society.
According to data from the Italian interior ministry, 106 women have so far been killed in the country this year, 55 of them allegedly by a partner or ex-partner.
The nationwide protests included processions, runs, walks, flash mobs, sit-ins, and even free gynaecological examinations to raise awareness of gender-based violence and patriarchy in Italy.
Ms. Cecchettin’s father, Mr. Gino Cecchettin, marked the day by addressing students at the University of Padua and unveiling a red bench on campus in memory of all victims of violence against women.
“Nothing will bring Giulia back, but I want many good initiatives to come out of her death,” Mr. Cecchettin shared.
Ms. Cecchettin disappeared on November 11 when she went to buy her graduation outfit with Mr. Filippo Turetta. “The couple disappeared, but CCTV footage emerged a few days later showing Mr. Turetta, 22, beating his former partner in a car park close to her house in Vigonovo, near Venice,” as per the investigating judge.
TOP PICKS | ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ contestants to sue Netflix
