Naples – The Court of Appeal of the Tribunal of Naples has reduced from 5 to 4 years the sentence for Gianluca Sivo, the “centaur” who on the night between 28 and 29 August 2022 ran over and killed Elvira Zibra, 28, while she was crossing the pedestrian crossing on via Caracciolo in Naples.
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The decision has sparked indignation and controversy, especially among the victim's family and political representatives who have been calling for justice for Elvira for months.
In the first instance, with the abbreviated procedure, the judge for the preliminary hearings had sentenced Sivo to five years of imprisonment, a sentence already considered by many to be too lenient for a crime of road homicide.
Now, the reduction to four years opens the possibility for the defendant to serve his sentence under house arrest, thus avoiding prison. An outcome that has sparked further criticism and protests.
Apologies and compensation: “Too convenient,” family members denounce
During the final hearing, Gianluca Sivo renewed his apologies to Elvira's family, declaring himself available to contribute to the compensation for damages. However, his words did not convince those who have been fighting for months for more severe justice.
“She risks not spending a single day in prison for a murder,” said bitterly Francesco Emilio Borrelli, a member of the Green Left-Alleanza party, who since the day after the tragedy has supported Elvira’s family in their battle to obtain justice.
“Five years of imprisonment were already a ridiculous sentence, an insult to Elvira’s memory, to her family and to all the victims of hit-and-run drivers,” Borrelli added. “The posthumous apology seems motivated more by the desire to impress the judges than by real repentance. With a monetary compensation, Elvira’s family will never be able to have the girl back. They are already serving a life sentence of pain.”
The request for a review: “He would lose justice”
Borrelli and the relatives of Elvira Zibra expressed their hope that the verdict will be re-examined, hoping for a re-evaluation of the sentence. “We rely on the good sense of the Court and the true values of justice,” concluded the deputy. “If this were not the case, we would all lose. We cannot allow those who commit such serious crimes to be treated so lightly.”
The story of Elvira Zibra, which has become a symbol of the fight against road accidents caused by irresponsible behavior, continues to raise questions about the effectiveness of the judicial system in punishing crimes related to dangerous driving.
As the family awaits further developments, the reduction of the sentence to four years risks leaving a deep sense of injustice, not only for the victim's relatives, but for the entire community.
Article published on March 20, 2025 - 17pm
