Notizie.it editorial team Topics Covered
The collapse of the Morandi Bridge on August 14, 2018, marked a tragic moment for Italy, resulting in the loss of 43 lives. The Genoa Prosecutor's Office has brought serious charges against the former CEO of Autostrade, Giovanni Castellucci, seeking a sentence of 18 years and six months.
This request was made by public prosecutors Walter Cotugno and Marco Airoldi, who highlighted the seriousness of the contested acts.
Castellucci, currently detained in Opera prison following a conviction for another tragedy, was not present in court during the reading of the request. Prosecutors emphasized that the former CEO had been aware of the viaduct's critical condition since 2009, but had chosen to ignore such warnings to maximize the company's profits by cutting costs and adopting strategies that led to disastrous consequences.
The indictment and literary analogies
During their closing speech, prosecutors painted a disturbing picture of Castellucci's management, comparing him to Lord Voldemort, the famous antagonist of the Harry Potter saga. They described the former CEO as a figure surrounded by a climate of fear and a code of silence, where any reference to him was fraught with fear. This comparison, though provocative, serves to illustrate the oppressive atmosphere Castellucci allegedly created within the company.
The motivations behind corporate choices
Castellucci's decisions, according to the prosecution, were not only driven by business considerations, but also by a deep-seated desire for personal prestige and financial gain. Prosecutors alleged that the former CEO was driven by the need to guarantee high dividends to shareholders, thus sacrificing security for profit. This behavior, considered unacceptable, resulted in a tragic loss of life and irreparable damage.
Other legal implications and responsibilities
Castellucci's conviction request isn't the only aspect of the trial. The Prosecutor's Office plans to seek convictions and acquittals for the other 56 defendants involved in the case. Two companies, ASPI and SPEA, responsible for monitoring and maintaining the viaduct, have already reached a settlement, paying a total of €29 million and compensating most of the victims' families. They also contributed to the construction of a new viaduct.
Castellucci's defense
Castellucci's lawyer, Guido Carlo Alleva, described the request for punishment as unacceptable, arguing that personal considerations regarding his client's life and personality should have no weight in a criminal trial. According to the defense, these considerations transcend the legal context and should not influence the court's judgment.
Alleva also expressed concern about the impact of Castellucci's previous conviction for the Avellino massacre, emphasizing that these are distinct situations. The defense will focus on presenting sound legal arguments, believing that personal considerations should not influence the course of justice. The current situation, with Castellucci in prison, requires an objective and unbiased analysis.