The Italian justice system has not provided answers. Now the family of Carmine Puccinelli, who died at just 14 years old from a tumor that was never diagnosed in time, is turning to the European Court of Human Rights. The appeal - over 4.000 pages of documents and attachments - was officially filed today in Strasbourg, with the aim of obtaining what has been denied in Italy so far: a fair trial, full reconstruction of medical responsibilities and compensation that recognizes the pain and wrong suffered.
The family is represented by Studio Associati Maior, with lawyers Michele Francesco Sorrentino, Pierlorenzo Catalan and Filippo Castaldo, supported by the medical examiner Marcello Lorello. The appeal challenges the decision to archive the criminal proceedings initiated following Carmine's death: according to the family, the diagnosis was omitted by several professionals, but only one of them was held responsible, while the others were excluded from any form of judgment despite the serious diagnostic and therapeutic shortcomings.
The complaint to the Court of Strasbourg calls the Italian State into question for the violation of Articles 2, 6 and 13 of the European Convention on Human Rights, relating to the right to life, fair trial and effective remedy. The lawyers underline how the case was closed by a judge who lacked the territorial jurisdiction required by law, in violation of the principle of the “natural judge”. An anomaly that adds to the choice of the Prosecutor's Office to rely solely on favorable expert opinions, excluding a serious cross-examination and precluding any possibility of appeal to the Supreme Court.
"Carmine's death cannot remain without justice", the lawyers say. "If it was not possible to obtain a fair trial in Italy, Strasbourg will have to guarantee it." Studio Maior is asking not only for compensation for the lack of legal protection, but also for broader measures, including the possible reopening of the criminal proceedings, so that a life cut short at 14 years old is not shelved twice: by the courts and by the collective conscience.
Article published by Federica Annunziata on June 9, 2025, at 12:49 PM
Comments (1)
The situation of Carmine and his family is truly sad. It seems that justice in Italy does not work as it should, and the fact that they now have to turn to Strasbourg is a sign that something is wrong. Let's hope for a resolution.