Italian judge Silvia Albano, who recently chose not to authorize the detention of 12 asylum seekers sent to Albania, has filed a complaint after receiving severe death threats. On October 24, Albano reported the escalating harassment, which includes around 30 threatening messages each day, to the prosecutor’s office. The threats, many of which accuse her of being “corrupt” and “pro-migrant,” often express hopes of violence against her, calling her a “militant” judge with anti-government motives.
Albano, head of the Magistratura Democratica (MD) association and a prominent figure in Rome’s immigration court, has become a focus of criticism, particularly from right-wing groups. The hostility intensified after her involvement in the Albania migration case, where she ruled against the detention of the asylum seekers. In her official complaint, Albano included a detailed report of the threats, leading to an investigation by the prosecutor’s office in Perugia.
The case highlights growing concerns around privacy rights for migrants. Italy’s Data Protection Authority recently voiced opposition to a new decree allowing police to access the cell phones of migrants who refuse to cooperate in identification. This regulation, heavily criticized by NGOs and opposition groups, raises questions about data privacy and the treatment of vulnerable groups like asylum seekers. According to Pasquale Stanzione, head of the Data Protection Authority, this measure requires careful judicial review, particularly for its potential impact on unaccompanied minors.
Support for Albano has emerged from opposition leaders and other members of Italy’s legal community. Giuseppe Santalucia, head of the Italian National Magistrates Association (ANM), urged an end to aggressive rhetoric that labels magistrates as “enemies of the people.” He emphasized the importance of civil discourse and mutual respect, pointing out that escalating threats and attacks only contribute to a polarized and hostile environment. Senate President Ignazio La Russa also condemned the threats, stressing the need for civilized debate, regardless of political differences.
Albano is not the only target of recent threats. Lawyers defending Matteo Salvini, Italy’s League party leader, in a case involving the migrant rescue organization Open Arms have also reported receiving threats. Giulia Bongiorno, one of Salvini’s attorneys, noted a surge in intimidating messages following a recent hearing in Palermo.
The Italian government has also published a new decree outlining a list of “safe countries” where it hopes to establish migrant processing centers, including facilities in Albania. However, Stanzione stressed that the government should re-evaluate Article 12, which permits police access to electronic devices of migrants non-compliant with identification efforts. He highlighted the need for “proportionality” in the measure, calling for judicial oversight to ensure it respects the rights of those affected, particularly minors.
As Italy’s migration policies evolve, Albano’s case serves as a serious reminder of the personal risks some officials face. These threats not only affect judges and lawyers but also fuel a broader atmosphere of polarization and hostility in public discourse. With calls for accountability and respect growing louder, Italy faces the challenge of balancing national security concerns with individual rights, especially as it moves forward with its new migration approach.