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A case of sexual harassment from Italy is currently causing a stir. Although a janitor (66) grabbed a high school student (17) from behind in Rome in April 2022, he got away with it. This was decided by a court in the Italian capital this week.
Hard to believe: the man was acquitted of the assault charge because the assault “didn’t last long enough” – according to the judge. This is reported by the Italian daily Corriere della Sera.
A “clumsy but listless maneuver”
As the girl described, the man had stabbed her pants from behind when she went up the stairs. He touched her buttocks for five to ten seconds. When she turned around, he dismissed the whole thing as a joke. The court therefore spoke of a “clumsy but listless maneuver”. No criminal offense was identified.
In Italy, the verdict and especially the reasoning of the court caused horror and protests. The response on social media has been overwhelming. Hashtags like #10secondi (ten seconds) and #palpatabreve (quick touch) have been trending since the verdict.
In the social media posts, a stopwatch runs for ten seconds as the women and men look at the camera and touch intimate parts of their bodies. Italian actor Paolo Camilli (36), known for his role in “The White Lotus”, started it all.
Countless influencers did the same. For example, someone wrote: “10 seconds that become a life full of nightmares, insecurities, fear and distrust.” She also denounces the state and the school system, which should have protected the young people, but failed to do so.
Influencers get in touch
Chiara Ferragni (36), model and Italy’s biggest influencer (29.4 million followers), also showed solidarity with the young people in a video. The protesters agree: sexual harassment is sexual harassment – no matter how short or long the attack lasts.
Even the victim of the attack can hardly believe the verdict. “The judges consider this a joke? It was not a joke to me,” said the student of the newspaper “Corriere della Sera”. She felt the caretaker’s hands more than clearly. As if that were not bad enough, now that her husband has been acquitted, she feels doubly betrayed – by her school and by the justice system.(dzc)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
