Prosecutor Requests Arrest of Officer Over Turin Derby Fan Injury
Italian prosecutors have requested the arrest of a police officer who allegedly fired a tear gas canister at head-height during the Torino-Juventus derby, critically injuring a spectator. The victim, who required surgery, remains deeply affected by the incident as the investigation continues.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1 MIN READ- Prosecutors have requested house arrest for a police officer accused of firing a tear gas canister at head-height.
- The victim, Marco Leonardo Basoccu, suffered severe head trauma and underwent surgery following the May 24 incident.
- Evidence including drone footage and surveillance videos led authorities to identify the responsible officer.
- Approximately 50 individuals involved in the broader derby clashes are currently under investigation.
A significant investigation is underway in Turin following the serious injury of a 36-year-old spectator during the clashes that erupted before the Torino-Juventus football derby on May 24. Prosecutors have formally requested that a poliziotto (police officer) be placed under house arrest, alleging that he was responsible for firing a tear gas canister at head-height, causing severe trauma to the victim, identified as Marco Leonardo Basoccu.
The incident occurred as tensions flared outside the stadium, where law enforcement was tasked with managing crowds. According to findings from the Torino Prosecutor's Office, the injury was not caused by a stray object thrown by fans, as initially speculated, but rather by the improper use of anti-riot equipment. Officials noted that safety protocols mandate that tear gas canisters should be fired in a high arc, yet the evidence suggests the projectile was launched directly at an individual, violating these operational guidelines.
Legal Proceedings and Evidence
The Torino Prosecutor's Office, led by Giovanni Bombardieri, emphasized that the evidence against the officer, who belongs to the V Mobile Department of Turin, is grave. Authorities utilized multiple video sources, including footage from Digos drones and local surveillance cameras, to piece together the events of that day. These recordings were deemed critical in identifying the suspect. The officer is currently facing charges of aggravated assault, and his fate rests with the court’s decision on the requested house arrest.
Following the event, Marco Leonardo Basoccu suffered a severe head injury, requiring an induced coma and a delicate surgical procedure to his skull. While his clinical recovery has progressed—leading to his discharge from Molinette Hospital on June 9—the psychological impact remains profound. The victim, a professional accountant from Milan, has expressed significant distress over the realization that his injuries were inflicted by someone charged with public safety rather than by rival fans.
Beyond the investigation into the specific actions of this poliziotto, local authorities continue to examine the broader unrest that occurred that day. Approximately 50 individuals have been identified as having participated in the violent clashes, with the majority reportedly linked to organized Juventus supporter groups. While some arrests were made shortly after the derby, legal scrutiny of these individuals remains active as the city processes the aftermath of the intense confrontations. The focus remains on establishing accountability for the violence that overshadowed the sporting event.
