Andrea Innocenti On October 17, the streets of Milan were the scene of protests that escalated into acts of vandalism and looting, resulting in significant damage to the city center. Youssef Siher , a 30-year-old from Brescia, was identified as the administrator of the Telegram channel "Movimento 17 ottobre," accused of inciting the organization of demonstrations that led to the devastation.
After the arrest, the investigating judge (GIP) Tiziana Landoni, who was in charge of the early prescription of personal freedom, refused to validate the arrest, deeming the evidence of guilt insufficient.
Giorgia Meloni's distancing
In a short video shared on her social media channels, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the Milan investigating judge 's decision not to validate Siher's arrest "shameful. "
The prime minister argued that the decision represents an "unbearable humiliation" for law enforcement, investigators, and the Ministry of the Interior, accusing the judiciary of undermining the work done to prevent further violence. Meloni added that her intervention is not a "disrespectful attack," but a defense of the work of security institutions.
The response of the National Association of Magistrates
The National Association of Magistrates (ANM) responded with an official statement, calling the prime minister's remarks an "unbearable exercise in intimidation." The ANM's central executive committee expressed "full solidarity" with Judge Tiziana Landoni, condemning any form of delegitimization by political authorities. According to the ANM, magistrates' decisions can only be challenged within the confines of judicial proceedings , while public criticism undermines the autonomy and independence of the judiciary, fundamental pillars of the rule of law.
The Milan Court confirms the legitimacy of the decision
The President of the Milan Court, Fabio Roia , together with the President of the preliminary investigations judge (GIP) and preliminary investigations judge (GUP) section, Vincenza Maccora , published a statement defending the judge's position. The document explains that, in light of the evidence submitted by the public prosecutor and the cross-examination of the parties, there was insufficient evidence to justify pre- trial detention . The statement also emphasizes that the political statements are "inadmissible" and betray a lack of knowledge of legal norms, emphasizing that a magistrate's freedom of judgment cannot be subject to external pressure.
Reactions from other government officials
Within hours, government vice-presidents also expressed their support for Meloni's words. Transport Minister Antonio Tajani called the freedom granted to Siher "incredible," while Foreign Minister Matteo Salvini warned that the decision puts national security at risk. Both reiterated the need for more severe action against those they believe are inciting violence.
Conclusions on the delicate balance between political power and the judiciary
The Siher case highlights the latent tension between the executive branch and the judiciary . On the one hand, the government accuses the judiciary of weakening security measures; on the other, the judiciary insists on the need to respect procedural guarantees and evaluate evidence with legal rigor . The case underscores the crucial importance of maintaining the separation of institutional roles to preserve the credibility of democratic institutions.