Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
ROME – A prominent Italian labor confederation has announced its decision to join the legal proceedings against a farm proprietor accused of fatally harming an Indian farmhand. The worker reportedly died from blood loss after a farming implement severed his arm.
Trade Union Joins Prosecution in Migrant Worker Death Case
Antonello Lovato, 39, faces accusations of neglecting to provide aid to Satnam Singh, 31, after the severe injury on June 17, 2024, in Latina, an agricultural region near Rome. He is also charged with failing to promptly summon emergency medical services. Prosecutors initially considered a manslaughter charge but elevated it to murder with alleged malice aforethought, arguing Lovato was aware his inaction could lead to Singh’s death.
Farm Owner Claims “Loss of Head”
At the commencement of his murder trial on Tuesday, Lovato stated he “lost his head” upon discovering Singh, an undocumented worker, injured and bleeding. News agency ANSA quoted Lovato as saying, “I wasn’t myself. I did not want him to die.”
Protests Highlight “Caporalato” System
Outside the courthouse, numerous union activists, including Sikh laborers in traditional turbans, protested against “caporalato,” a system of exploitative and underpaid migrant labor prevalent in Italian agriculture.
CGIL Condemns Worker Exploitation
Maurizio Landini, head of the influential CGIL labor federation, addressed demonstrators, stating, “I believe the events are clear to everyone.” He added, “As is the exploitative logic of ‘caporalato,’ which results in individuals being treated as commodities, like machine parts easily bought and discarded for the lowest price. We must change this culture.”
Seeking Justice and Systemic Change
LaPresse news agency reported Landini confirming CGIL’s formal involvement in the prosecution as civil parties. Italian law permits entities recognized by the court as victims in a crime to participate in the prosecution, examine witnesses, and potentially secure compensation if a guilty verdict is reached.
Trial Aims to Address Systemic Issues
“We believe it is essential to pursue justice, primarily to initiate comprehensive changes in business practices to prevent such incidents from recurring,” Landini asserted. “We do not consider this an isolated event. It is misguided to believe this trial alone can resolve the issue. We are concerned as the harvest season recommences.”
Trial to Resume in May
The trial is adjourned until May 27.