Mario Roggero, a 72-year-old Italian jeweler, has lost his appeal against a 14-year prison sentence for killing two robbers and wounding a third during a 2021 hold-up of his store. The country's Supreme Court upheld the ruling on Wednesday, determining that Roggero had acted outside the bounds of legitimate self-defense because the threat had passed.
Video footage shows Roggero chasing the robbers outside his jewelry store in Grinzane Cavour, a small town in northern Italy, after they had entered with a toy gun and a knife. He then shot them with a pistol he kept behind the counter. Roggero's wife and daughter were present during the robbery.
In December of last year, Roggero was sentenced to 14 years and nine months for murder and attempted murder. Following the rejection of his appeal, ruling parties in Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's coalition have called for a presidential pardon, citing Roggero's age.
"After a lifetime of work, I don't think it's fair to spend years in prison at 72 after being assaulted and robbed," stated Matteo Salvini, leader of the far-right League party. The coalition announced plans to collect signatures for a pardon request, which will be reviewed by the justice ministry before being forwarded to President Sergio Mattarella.
The case has sharply divided Italian public opinion, with many agreeing that Roggero exceeded the limits of self-defense. Roggero maintains his innocence and has sought donations to cover legal expenses, amassing thousands of supporters on social media.
He reportedly turned himself in on Thursday to a jail in Fossano, northern Italy. In a final social media post, Roggero thanked his supporters and urged them to continue advocating for a justice system that can address rising crime.
