Ilaria Salis: "No to the taser, cause of death". She knows: "Incompetent".

The use of Tasers by Italian law enforcement has seen a significant increase over the past four years, according to a recent report by the Antigone association. The device, which was introduced during the Draghi government in March 2022, initially saw limited deployment in 18 cities before being rolled out nationwide. Since then, its usage has grown substantially, with the proportion of incidents involving actual Taser discharges rising from 40 percent in 2022 to approximately 70 percent in 2025. According to the data compiled by Antigone, the Italian State Police have fired Taser darts more than 1,091 times between March 2022 and February 2026. This dramatic rise in usage raises concerns about the potential health risks associated with the device, particularly given the lack of clear understanding regarding the long-term effects on individuals subjected to its electrical shocks.

The report highlights the uncertainty surrounding the direct causal link between Taser use and fatalities. While seven deaths have been recorded since 2022, only one case has conclusively established a connection between the Taser and the victim's death. Elton Bani, who died in Genova in 2025, was found to have succumbed to a combination of cocaine intoxication and repeated electrical stimulation. Despite this, the report emphasizes the need for further research into the lethal potential of Tasers. It calls for the establishment of a national registry and a scientific commission to assess both the effectiveness and proportionality of using such devices. The president of Antigone, Patrizio Gonnella, notes that even the manufacturer, Axon, has acknowledged uncertainties about the non-lethal nature of the Taser.

Internationally, there is growing concern about the over-reliance on Tasers among police forces, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as the "lazy cop syndrome." In the United States, experts have pointed out that the rapid deployment of Tasers often bypasses more complex de-escalation techniques. Additionally, some officers continue to target high-risk areas such as the chest, despite safety recommendations from manufacturers. These practices raise questions about the training and protocols followed by law enforcement agencies worldwide.

In Italy, the debate around Taser usage has intensified following statements made by Euro-MP Ilaria Salis, who strongly opposes the adoption of Tasers due to their potential lethality. She argues that true security should focus on prevention, community strengthening, and de-escalation techniques rather than increasing the number of potentially lethal tools available to police. Her stance has drawn criticism from Stefano Paoloni, secretary general of the Sap union, who views her comments as uninformed and prejudiced. Paoloni asserts that the Taser is currently the safest tool available to law enforcement, noting that it successfully dissuades violent behavior in most cases without causing harm. He also points out that other tools such as batons and firearms can lead to more severe consequences for individuals being apprehended.

As discussions around the appropriate use of Tasers continue, the need for comprehensive studies and transparent reporting remains critical. The situation underscores the importance of balancing public safety with the protection of individual rights, ensuring that law enforcement strategies are both effective and ethically sound. Future developments will likely depend on ongoing research, policy reviews, and the willingness of stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue about the role of Tasers in modern policing.