El PM: "Cinturón a juicio inmediato por el asesinato de Mansouri"

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited the Valsusa area in northern Italy on Monday, where she called for justice to be served against those responsible for what she described as a "shameful" situation. Her remarks came amid ongoing legal proceedings involving former police officer Carmelo Cinturrino, who is accused of murdering 28-year-old drug dealer Abderrahim Mansouri in Rogoredo on January 26. The killing has sparked widespread public interest and scrutiny over alleged corruption within law enforcement. The prosecution in Milan requested immediate trial proceedings for Cinturrino, bypassing the preliminary hearing stage, after he was charged with premeditated murder. Cinturrino, formerly stationed at the Mecenate police station, was dismissed from the force in late June. According to prosecutors, he shot Mansouri in the head from approximately 30 meters away in a wooded area near Rogoredo. The case has been under investigation since early this year, with forensic analysis, 3D reconstructions, technical evaluations, and testimonies from multiple witnesses contributing to the evidence. A separate branch of the investigation, led by prosecutor Marcello Viola and assistant prosecutor Giovanni Tarzia, involves Cinturrino and six other former colleagues facing more than 30 charges, including drug trafficking, extortion, unlawful arrests, and aiding in the murder. This part of the inquiry focuses on allegations that Cinturrino and his associates engaged in systematic criminal activities while serving in the police force. Debora Piazza, one of the lawyers representing Mansouri's family alongside Marco Romagnoli, expressed satisfaction with the decision by the prosecution to pursue immediate trial for the murder charge. She stated that the family supports the focus on premeditated murder and agrees with the dismissal of other pending charges against Cinturrino and others. Piazza emphasized that the prosecution’s approach reflects a commitment to uncovering the truth, adding that her team would prepare thoroughly for the upcoming trial. Testimonies collected during the investigation include accounts from individuals familiar with the drug trade in the area. These witnesses claimed that Cinturrino had threatened Mansouri with statements such as “either I arrest you or I kill you” and told others to inform Mansouri that he intended to kill him. One eyewitness recounted seeing Mansouri attempt to flee before being shot, describing how he fell immediately after the gunfire. Additionally, investigators noted a staged scene where a fake gun was placed near Mansouri’s body, later retrieved by a colleague from the police station. Cinturrino, represented by attorneys Marco Bianucci and Davide Giuseppe Giugno, has consistently denied the murder charge. He argued that he feared for his safety and did not personally harm Mansouri. However, the broader investigation into his conduct while employed by the police includes allegations of extorting money and drugs from individuals in the area. One witness testified that Cinturrino allegedly took up to €4,000 daily from suspects, prompting further scrutiny of his actions during his tenure. The defense of Cinturrino has challenged some of these testimonies, accusing certain witnesses of making false claims. Legal representatives have sought to discredit accounts presented by the prosecution, arguing that they lack credibility. Despite these challenges, the prosecution maintains that substantial evidence supports the charges against Cinturrino, particularly regarding the premeditated nature of the murder and his violation of duties related to public service. The case will proceed to court, where Judge for the Instruction will decide whether to approve the request for an immediate trial. If approved, Cinturrino, currently incarcerated since February 23, could face life imprisonment if found guilty. The outcome of the trial will determine not only his fate but also shed light on the extent of alleged misconduct among law enforcement officials in the region.