A 46-year-old woman of Moroccan origin was stabbed to death in Foggia overnight in what investigators believe is the latest femicide in a disturbing trend across Italy, sources said on Thursday.
The victim, a restaurant cook, was found dead near her home in the centre of Foggia. According to reports, she had contacted police after noticing a man nearby. Officers were unable to reach her in time. Neighbours, who heard her screams, also alerted authorities.
The main suspect is her ex-boyfriend, also Moroccan, who had previously been reported to police for stalking and threats. Their relationship lasted only a few months and reportedly ended due to the man’s abusive behaviour.
Despite the woman’s complaints, the man had not been detained. A restraining order had been issued earlier this year, along with a court order for him to wear an electronic tag. However, the device was never applied due to a technical issue. In July, a warrant for his arrest was granted, but police were unable to execute it as the suspect was homeless and could not be located.
He was detained in Rome on Thursday. His clothes were reportedly still stained with blood at the time of his arrest.
Campanella’s killer commits suicide
This case comes just one day after another shocking development in the ongoing crisis. Stefano Argentino, the 27-year-old man accused of killing university student Sara Campanella in Messina in March, took his own life in prison on Wednesday. Campanella, 22, was stabbed in the neck in broad daylight. Her murder drew national outrage and renewed calls for stronger protections for women.
The latest tragedy in Foggia adds pressure on lawmakers as Italy moves toward enshrining femicide as a specific felony under criminal law. The Senate last month unanimously approved a bill that classifies femicide as the murder of a woman motivated by gender-based hatred, discrimination, or an attempt to suppress her freedoms or personality. The law would introduce life imprisonment for such crimes and limit prison privileges for those convicted. It also mandates education and awareness programmes to prevent gender-based violence.
The bill now awaits final approval in the Lower House.
