Turin prosecutors seek 47 years in prison for Askatasuna militants

Prosecutors in Turin have requested 18 prison sentences totaling approximately 47 years for militants of the former Askatasuna social center during an appeal process. Prosecutors Giancarlo Avenati Bassi and Manuela Pedrotta are seeking to have the crime of criminal conspiracy recognized, a charge that was excluded by judges during the first instance trial.

The prosecution alleges that a violent faction existed within the group, characterized by a clear chain of command and defined roles. This group is accused of using the social center’s legal activities as a cover for committing crimes, including the planning and preparation of violent demonstrations against the TAV high-speed railway construction sites in the Susa Valley.

While the first-instance ruling on March 25, 2025, resulted in 18 convictions for lesser offenses with sentences ranging from five months to four years and nine months, the criminal conspiracy charge was not upheld. The proposed sentences in this appeal range from twelve months to five years for sixteen defendants, while two others face charges for lesser offenses. The defendants have consistently denied all accusations.