Naples – The investigation into the Casamicciola landslide of November 26, 2022, which claimed the lives of 12 people, has received renewed impetus. Naples' preliminary investigations judge, Nicola Matrone, has granted a 30-day extension of the investigation, ordering the return of the documents to the public prosecutor to identify any individuals responsible in the decision-making process that preceded the tragedy.
With his ruling, filed yesterday, the investigating judge rejected the request for dismissal made by deputy prosecutors Mario Canale and Stella Castaldo, who had not identified any criminal liability on the part of third parties.
The Prosecutor's Office must now, within a month, identify the individuals who, at the time of the events, held positions or roles relevant to land management and hydrogeological risk management in the disaster area. Their names, once the additional investigation is complete, must be entered in the register of suspects.
The preliminary hearing judge's decision was welcomed by the victims' families, who have long called for full clarification not only on the dynamics of the landslide but also on any omissions. "We welcome the Judge's recognition and consideration in his ruling of the evidence we brought to the attention of the Prosecutor's Office, particularly the third-level seismic microzonation studies," stated in a statement lawyers Massimo Stilla, Gianluca Palomba, Aniello Palomba, and Raffaele Di Meglio, representing some of the families of the 12 Casamicciola victims.
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According to the family's defense, the studies cited in the preliminary investigations judge's order had been available for some time and had already been forwarded to the relevant authorities. These technical analyses would have clearly demonstrated the presence of unstable conditions and a "multi-risk" scenario in the affected area, highlighting the close connection between the hydrogeological structure and the landslides. In this context, the lawyers believe this was not an unforeseeable event.
"Recognizing these aspects," the lawyers emphasize, "represents a fundamental step toward determining liability and, above all, affirming the principle that risk awareness and preventive planning are not discretionary activities, but essential duties to protect citizens' lives."
The victims' families, through their lawyers, reiterate their intention to monitor the investigation step by step: "We will continue to monitor the investigations with determination and responsibility so that the full truth about the tragedy that struck Casamicciola and its families emerges."
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