Italy's Youth Violence Cases Spur Calls for Restorative Justice and Institutional Reform

In Milan, a 22‑year‑old student, Davide Simone Cavallo, was stabbed by two older teenagers and three minors while trying to protect his money. After the attack, Cavallo embraced the perpetrators in court and advocated for restorative justice, arguing that rebuilding social ties can prevent further marginalisation. Lawyer Luca Degani, part of Cavallo’s defence team, highlighted the case while critiquing a newly approved government bill that would lower the age of criminal responsibility for minors aged 14 to 18, calling it a constitutional affront.

Separately, a 22‑year‑old cadet of the Guardia di Finanza fell to her death from a window at the school in Coppito on 23 July. The tragedy revived concerns over abusive practices and neglect within Italian police barracks. Senator Ilaria Cucchi (AVS) pressed for answers, citing reports of physical and psychological mistreatment, while parliamentary inquiries have yet to produce results. Journalists Michele Turazza, Marta Silvestre and Andrea Turco documented the case in the book “Morire di Naia,” urging a formal parliamentary commission to investigate systemic violence in such institutions.