Italy Begins Trial in Shocking Killing That Sparked Femicide Debate

A trial began in Italy Monday connected to a shocking murder that sparked a debate over femicide.

On Monday, a trial began for the murder of a 22-year-old woman in a case that has gripped the nation and sparked intense debate about the cultural factors driving a rise in gender-based violence.

In 2023, 22-year-old Giulia Cecchettin was fatally stabbed in the Italian city of Fosso, near Venice. Authorities revealed that Cecchettin’s boyfriend, 22-year-old Filippo Turetta, has confessed to the fatal stabbing. Cecchettin’s death came just days before she was set to graduate and earn a degree in biomedical engineering.

Cecchettin’s murder has captured attention both in Italy and internationally, highlighting the growing issue of femicide, a problem that has become alarmingly prevalent across the country. In 2023, Italy recorded 120 women killed, with more than half of the victims murdered by their current or former partners. In the U.S., Sanctuary for Families said in 2023, “femicide…is often thought of as an issue affecting low-income countries. This could not be further from the truth; of all femicide cases in high-income countries, 70% occur in the U.S.”

Turetta is now charged with voluntary manslaughter, aggravated by premeditation and kidnapping, and could face life in prison. A verdict is expected in early December, according to local reports.

Prosecutors allege that Turetta was unable to cope with Cecchettin ending their relationship. They allege he convinced her to go on one final shopping trip and have a meal together before killing her.

Cecchettin’s body was found by authorities at the bottom of a ditch in Fosso with over 20 different stab wounds. Following the incident, Turetta fled Italy and traveled to Germany, where he was later caught and arrested. He now remains in prison and awaits the verdict from the Venice court.

Cecchettin’s murder ignited nationwide outrage due to the brutality of the crime and the young ages of both the victim and her alleged killer.

Turetta did not attend Monday’s hearing, but his attorney, Giovanni Caruso, informed reporters that he is expected to appear in court at future proceedings. Several of Cecchettin’s relatives have filed to become civil plaintiffs in the case, with her family seeking approximately €1 million ($1.1 million) in damages.

On Monday, Cecchettin’s father, Gino, said that he was not planning to get “any revenge” against Turetta, and noted that he was fully confident in any decision by the court.

During his daughter’s funeral last December, he urged men to become “agents of change” in a society that “undervalues the lives of women,” calling on them “not to ignore even the slightest signs of violence.”

Giulia’s sister, Elena, has consistently highlighted cultural issues in her sister’s murder and other femicides across Italy, pointing to a patriarchal society where male violence and control have been historically tolerated.

This article includes reporting from the Associated Press.