Reduced Sentences for Corporals in Scieri Case
In a significant legal development, the Court of Assizes of Appeal has reduced the sentences of two former corporals, Alessandro Panella and Luigi Zabara, convicted for their roles in the death of Emanuele Scieri, a paratrooper who died under suspicious circumstances in 1999. Panella received a 22-year sentence, while Zabara's sentence was reduced to 9 years and 9 months, nearly halving his original term of 18 years. The case, which has drawn attention for its implications regarding military hazing, stems from an incident where Scieri was allegedly subjected to severe hazing practices, leading to fatal injuries.
Scieri was found dead in the Gamerra barracks in Pisa, and investigations revealed that he had been forced to climb a parachute drying tower, where he fell after being struck on the hands by the corporals. The initial investigation did not yield any charges, but subsequent inquiries led to a renewed trial. The victim's brother expressed that the affirmation of the defendants' criminal responsibility was more significant than the reduction of their sentences, highlighting the ongoing pain for the family.
Sentencing in Montauban for Soldier's Death
In a separate but related case, two men were sentenced in Montauban for the death of Emmanuel Cueff, a former soldier, resulting from a violent altercation outside a bar. The court sentenced one man to eight years and the other to one year in prison for their involvement in the incident, which occurred on October 29-30, 2021. During the trial, it was revealed that Cueff was heavily intoxicated at the time, and the defense argued that his death was an unfortunate accident rather than a direct result of the violence.
Cueff's widow expressed relief at the verdict, stating that both men were found guilty, which provided some closure for her family. She emphasized her husband's service to France and the need to move forward after the tragedy. These cases reflect ongoing concerns about violence and accountability within military contexts, raising questions about the culture surrounding soldiers and the impact of hazing and aggression in such environments.
