European Court Condemns Italy Over Mafia-Controlled Toxic Waste Management

The European Court of Human Rights ruled that Italy failed to act on the health and environmental crisis caused by illegal waste dumping near Naples.

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) found Italy in violation of the right to life due to its inadequate response to mafia-controlled toxic waste dumping in the 'Terra dei Fuochi' region.
The court highlighted a significant rise in cancer rates and severe pollution of water, soil, and air affecting nearly 3 million residents in the region between Naples and Caserta.
Italy has been given two years to develop a comprehensive strategy, establish an independent monitoring mechanism, and create a public information platform to address the crisis.
The case was brought by 41 residents and five organizations, citing decades of government inaction despite early warnings about the health and environmental impacts of illegal waste disposal.
The ruling, described as historic by advocates, underscores the need for urgent measures to combat the ecological and public health disaster linked to organized crime.