Appeal hearing of the Sovrano trial of 12 October 2026
On 12 October 2026 the Turin Court of Appeal held the last hearing, before the verdict, of the appeal trial known as the Sovrano trial. The proceedings concern 16 defendants among activists of Askatasuna, the No Tav movement and the Spazio Popolare Neruda, whom the Turin public prosecutor's office charges with criminal conspiracy.[1][2]
Origin of the trial
The proceedings stem from the disorder that occurred during the march of 31 January, organised in Turin against the eviction of the Askatasuna social centre. At first instance 18 convictions had been handed down, but only for minor offences and with limited sentences.[1][2]
The hearing of 12 October
At the hearing of 12 October 2026, the last scheduled before the appeal verdict is handed down, the prosecution maintained the charge of criminal conspiracy against the 16 defendants.[1][2]
The context of the investigation into the 31 January march
A few days before the hearing, the state police carried out home searches in several Italian cities targeting anti-establishment activists under investigation for the events of the 31 January march. Public prosecutor Paolo Scafi had requested 19 precautionary measures, the most serious charge being attempted murder, relating to the episode in which an activist allegedly set fire to a police vehicle while an officer was on board. During the demonstration 103 members of the police forces were injured, one of whom was attacked with kicks and hammer blows after his helmet and shield were stolen.[1][2]
Related articles: Appeal trial over the Askatasuna disorder of 31 January 2026 (October 2026), Askatasuna appeal trial, hearing of 12 October 2026
Sources
- Quotidiano Piemontese — 12 October 2026
- Il Torinese — 12 October 2026