Italian criminal defense lawyers strike over prison wiretapping

Criminal defense lawyers across Italy have announced a week-long strike, abstaining from criminal hearings and judicial activities from September 23 to September 29. The protest was triggered by reports of unauthorized wiretapping at the Perugia “Capanne” prison.

The Unione delle Camere Penali Italiane reported that for approximately six months, recordings were made of conversations between detainees and their legal counsel. While the original authorization targeted a specific lawyer and client, the recordings allegedly implicated at least fifteen other lawyers and their respective clients, potentially exposing sensitive legal strategies and professional secrets.

The legal community argues that these interceptions undermine the fundamental right to defense and the fiduciary relationship between attorney and client. The strike has already impacted significant judicial proceedings, including the postponement of a major verdict in Sondrio involving former official Fabio Molinari.