The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has condemned Italy for violating the right to private life of 151 citizens of the municipalities of Salerno, Pellezzano and Baronissi, exposed to pollution from the Pisano foundries, located less than 6 km from their homes.
The ruling, issued following an appeal filed in 2018, criticizes Italian authorities for failing to take adequate measures to protect residents' health and quality of life, despite the proven environmental damage caused by the plant.
The investigations, supported by studies conducted since 2017, have found mercury levels in residents up to five times higher than average, confirming a significant impact on health and an increase in vulnerability to various diseases.
The ECHR highlighted that, between 2008 and 2016, the smelter generated serious levels of pollution without citizens being adequately informed about the risks. Even after 2016, while acknowledging the authorities' efforts to introduce containment measures, the Court highlighted that the permission to continue production did not take into account the prolonged exposure of the local population to harmful substances.
The case has its roots in 2006, when the area around the foundry was inexplicably converted from industrial to residential without the planned relocation of the plant. The Italian government contested the appeal, denying a direct link between pollution and damage to health, but the ECHR reiterated the authorities' responsibility to ensure the protection of citizens' rights. The ruling is a warning for more responsible management of industrial activities near inhabited areas.
A fake truck driver and a cloned license plate were used to steal medications intended for Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis. The entire haul was recovered from a warehouse in Casalnuovo: three people were charged, and investigations are underway for any possible accomplices. The heist: four pallets vanished in a matter of hours. A scam straight out of an '80s movie, with a meticulously planned plan and a staggering haul.
Casoria– A full-blown punitive raid, carried out in front of the terrified students. This is what happened at the "Torrente" Professional Institute in Casoria, where the mother of two students brutally attacked a math teacher during class time. The teacher was forced to seek hospital treatment, while the incident…
Benevento – A tragic outcome to the violent attack that occurred last month in the densely populated Rione Libertà neighborhood. The heart of Mario Capobianco, a 68-year-old from Benevento, stopped beating at the San Pio Hospital, where he had been hospitalized in desperate conditions since the evening of January 24th. The injuries sustained during the beating were too serious, particularly the trauma to…
Verified Source
Comments (1)
The ECHR ruling is very important but I think the authorities should do more for the citizens. It is strange that the area was converted without thinking about pollution, they should have informed the people better.