Massive Turnout in Italy as Demonstrators Unite to Denounce Violence Against Women

Protests have erupted throughout Italy as tens of thousands of people demand an end to violence against women following the recent murder of a university student. Giulia Cecchettin was allegedly killed by her ex-boyfriend shortly before she was set to graduate. Large crowds gathered in Milan, Naples, and Rome, causing gridlock in the capital city. Italy's president, Sergio Mattarella, declared that the murder of women cannot be tolerated. He emphasized that violence against women represents a failure of society and a civilized society should not accept or endure these attacks. According to data from the Italian interior ministry, 106 women have been killed in Italy this year, with 55 of them allegedly by a partner or ex-partner. The protests coincide with a day of events aimed at raising awareness of gender-based violence and patriarchy in Italy. Giulia Cecchettin's father addressed students at the University of Padua and unveiled a red bench on campus in memory of all victims. He expressed his hope for positive initiatives to emerge from his daughter's tragic death. Filippo Turetta, the prime suspect in the murder case, was arrested in Germany and returned to Italy. However, he has not yet been formally charged. Italy's first female prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, expressed outrage at the country's long history of violence against women by partners and ex-partners. She has promised to launch an educational campaign in schools to combat misogynistic violence, which she believes remains prevalent in Italy.