Deputies in the Italian Parliament have voted unanimously to introduce the crime of femicide – the murder of a woman, motivated by gender – as a distinct law to be punished with a life sentence.
In a symbolic move, the bill was approved on the day dedicated to the elimination of violence against women worldwide.
The idea of a law on femicide had been discussed in Italy before but the murder of Giulia Cecchettin by her ex-boyfriend was a tragedy that shocked the country into action.
In late November 2023, the 22-year-old was stabbed to death by Filippo Turetta, who then wrapped her body in bags and dumped it by a lakeside.
Thousands gathered outside the church where Giulia Cecchettin's funeral was held to pay their respects in December 2023
The killing was headline news until he was caught, but it was the powerful response of Giulia's sister, Elena, that has endured.
The murderer was not a monster, she said, but the "healthy son" of a deeply patriarchal society. They were words that brought crowds out across Italy demanding change.
Two years on, MPs have voted for a law on femicide after a long and passionately debated session of parliament. It makes Italy one of very few places to categorise femicide as a distinct crime.
