Meloni condemns judge’s decision to free man accused of inciting violent protests
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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has condemned a judge’s decision to release a university researcher accused of helping organise violent protests in Milan, describing the ruling as “shameful”.
Youssef Siher, a 30-year-old Italian freelance journalist of Moroccan origin, was detained on 24 October on charges of incitement to commit crimes, aggravated by alleged terrorist motives.
However, Milan judge Tiziana Landoni ordered his release, saying the investigation appeared deeply flawed and there were no serious grounds to believe he had committed the alleged offences or posed a flight risk.
Police had identified Siher as the administrator of a Telegram group called “October 17 Movement”, which was created after violent demonstrations in Milan. Investigators alleged that messages posted in the group encouraged protesters to gather and commit offences against public order.
Landoni said, however, that the comments in question had been posted by other group members and that Siher had not been found to have encouraged or supported their calls for violence. Siher has denied wrongdoing.
Meloni said the decision was an “unbearable humiliation” of the work of police and investigators.
The case comes as the government steps up its law-and-order measures. A security decree introduced this month provides prison sentences of four to 12 years for organisers of groups that endanger public safety or cause damage during demonstrations.
