Genoa, court returns computers and mobile phones to five anarchists: terrorism charge too weak
The Genoa appeal court has annulled the seizure order for electronic devices belonging to five anarchist activists, finding insufficient evidence for the charge of terrorist-related association.
Genoa, court returns computers and mobile phones to five anarchists: terrorism charge too weak
Judges at the Genoa appeal court have ordered the immediate return of computers, smartphones and other digital media to five anarchist activists under investigation. According to the ruling, there is no evidence of the danger of an organisation linked to the crime of association with subversive intentions.
The investigation by carabinieri from the Sampierdarena company had begun following the theft of a poster in favour of the Alpine troops, which occurred during the days of the gathering. Surveillance footage had made it possible to identify a residence in the western part of the city frequented by the suspects, some of whom came from outside the region. On 9 May, the military personnel carried out a search in the course of which they seized, in addition to the electronic equipment, the promotional material that had been stolen, leaflets against militarism, the clothes worn during the action and a fuel canister found on the landing of the building.
In its reasoning, the second-instance panel emphasised that mere possession of propaganda tools does not allow one to infer the subversive aims required by law. Moreover, the prosecution had not defined the spatial and temporal scope of the conduct being contested, nor had it illustrated what violent gestures for intimidatory purposes had been planned by the group.
The devices will be returned to those concerned, represented by lawyer Fabio Sommovigo. The banner, leaflets and clothing remain blocked by the judicial authorities. No complaint by the owner has been filed regarding the theft of the poster.
Source: ANSA
Source: ANSA Cronaca