In a significant case that has drawn national attention, a 22-year-old man from Italy was found guilty of murdering his former partner and subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment on Tuesday. The high-profile trial has intensified the ongoing discourse surrounding violence against women in the country.

Filippo Turetta maintained his demeanor as the verdict was delivered in a court located in Venice, one year following the tragic discovery of 22-year-old Giulia Checchettin’s body. She had suffered over 70 stab wounds, with her remains found concealed in plastic bags in a ditch in the Veneto region.

Checchettin disappeared in November after she was seen with her ex-boyfriend at a shopping mall, triggering an extensive search that captivated the public. Her remains were uncovered a week later, highlighting the alarming trend of violence against women in Italy.

After a thorough investigation, Turetta was apprehended in Germany, following his flight from the scene. The brutal nature of the crime has sparked widespread outcry for more robust measures to combat violence against women. Recent statistics from Italy’s Interior Ministry indicate that, in the first ten months of the current year alone, 96 women lost their lives due to violence, with 51 murdered by their current or former partners.

In memory of Checchettin, approximately 10,000 individuals attended her funeral a year ago, participating in a poignant demonstration where bells were rung and keys were shaken. This movement aimed to “make noise” and raise awareness regarding gender-based violence. Gino Checchettin, the victim’s father, took the opportunity to call on mourners to act as “agents of change” in addressing a societal issue that frequently overlooks the value of women’s lives.