Italy Enacts Law Defining Femicide as a Standalone Crime Punishable by Life in Prison

Overview

• The reform introduces Article 577‑bis to the Penal Code, creating an autonomous offense of femicide.
• Life imprisonment applies when a woman's killing is driven by gender discrimination, hatred, or an intent to suppress her freedom.
• The statute covers homicides following a woman's refusal to start or continue an intimate relationship or actions restricting her liberty.
• The law provides assistance for minors who lose their mother to femicide and guarantees free legal aid to victims regardless of income.
• The vote drew praise from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and was presented against Istat and UN data highlighting high rates of gender-based killings.