A Milan court has ordered the release of Youssef Siher, a 30-year-old Moroccan-Italian activist, from detention. Judge Tiziana Landoni ruled that there was insufficient evidence to warrant his continued detention, and he was released from San Vittore prison. Siher was arrested on Saturday after a day-long investigation into vandalism and looting in Milan's city center on October 17 and 18.
Siher was suspected of running a Telegram channel called "Movement 17 October," which had around 11,000 subscribers, and an Instagram page with 50,000 followers. Prosecutors had requested his detention, accusing him of inciting crimes with a potential terrorist goal and organized violence during public protests. However, Judge Landoni rejected these charges, stating that Siher's actions did not fall within the legal framework of the alleged crimes.
The investigation into Siher's activities began after reports of vandalism and looting in Milan's city center. Prosecutors argued that his online posts could be seen as inciting violence, even if they did not directly call for destructive actions. They claimed that his messages contributed to creating an atmosphere of "ongoing war," potentially instilling fear among residents and disrupting ordinary life.
Siher, who chose not to answer questions during the investigation, refused to provide his phone password to police. Despite his release, the investigation will continue, and he will remain under judicial supervision, along with his wife Sara Hamoud, who is also implicated in the case.
The decision to release Siher was made after a thorough examination of the evidence. Judge Landoni's ruling highlighted the importance of ensuring that detention is only used when necessary and that individual rights are protected. Siher's release has sparked debate about the limits of free speech and the role of social media in mobilizing protests.
The case has raised concerns about the impact of online activism on public order. While some argue that social media can be a powerful tool for mobilizing protests, others believe that it can also be used to incite violence. The investigation will continue to explore the extent to which Siher's online activities contributed to the vandalism and looting in Milan.
Siher's release from detention has been welcomed by his supporters, who argue that his arrest was an attempt to silence him. The case will continue to be monitored, and the outcome will have implications for the balance between free speech and public order in Italy.
Key points
- Italian court releases Moroccan-Italian activist Youssef Siher from detention due to lack of evidence.
- Siher was accused of inciting violence and vandalism during protests in Milan.
- The investigation will continue, and Siher will remain under judicial supervision.
