The Court of Cassation has finalized a sentence of 14 years and 9 months for Mario Roggero, a 72-year-old jeweler from Gallo di Grinzane, who killed two robbers and wounded a third during a 2021 heist. The court rejected the defense’s appeal and accepted the request of the General Prosecutor’s Office to confirm the conviction, according to court records.
Mario Roggero’s Legal Status and Immediate Incarceration
Mario Roggero confirmed his immediate surrender in a social media video, stating, “it’s over, I’m going to prison.” His lawyers, Stefano Marcolini and Sergio Rovani, stated they would not wait and that Roggero would present himself to authorities immediately.
The legal team expressed surprise and disappointment, noting that they believed their “extremely articulate” appeal offered a good chance for a favorable outcome. They are currently awaiting the court’s formal motivations to analyze the ruling.
Did You Know? The Court of Cassation also confirmed provisional payments totaling 480,000 euros as part of the sentence.
Details of the April 28, 2021 Robbery
The incident began when robbers entered Roggero’s family jewelry store armed with a knife and a toy gun. Roggero reacted by pursuing the suspects and firing a legally owned pistol.
Two suspects, Giuseppe Mazzarino and Andrea Spinelli, were killed. A third man, Alessandro Modica, who served as the driver, was wounded. Appeal judges previously determined that Roggero fired the shots after the “aggressive action by the robbers was totally concluded.”
Political Reactions and the Appeal for Presidential Pardon
Vice Premier and Lega leader Matteo Salvini has called on President Sergio Mattarella to grant Roggero a pardon. Salvini described the conviction as “profoundly unjust,” arguing that an honest man of 72 does not deserve to share a cell with “real criminals” after reacting to a robbery where his wife and daughter were at risk.
Lombardy Region President Attilio Fontana stated he is ready to support Salvini’s request for grace. Additionally, Forza Italia Senator Maurizio Gasparri expressed “bitterness and bewilderment,” claiming the ruling represents a “reversal of the deep reasons of justice.”
Support for the jeweler also came from Roberto Vannacci and Futuro Nazionale militants, who held a sit-in outside the Court of Cassation with banners calling Roggero “Super Mario” and asserting that “defense is always legitimate.”
Changes to Civil Liability and Future Legal Steps
The Italian government recently approved an article in a new security decree modifying the civil code. This change ensures that victims of robbery or sexual violence who cause damage during the crime will not be required to compensate the perpetrator.
Matteo Salvini noted this law is necessary to prevent the payment of damages to the relatives of criminals killed or injured during a crime. Regarding Roggero’s specific case, his lawyers suggested that a possible next step could involve a challenge at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the original sentence for Mario Roggero?
The Court of Assize of Asti initially sentenced him to 17 years of imprisonment, recognizing some mitigating factors but excluding self-defense.
Why did the court reject the claim of self-defense?
According to the motivations written by the appeal judges, Roggero fired his weapon after the robbers’ aggressive action had already completely concluded.
What weapons did the robbers use?
The robbers entered the jewelry store armed with a knife and a toy gun.
Should the law protect a business owner’s right to react even after a threat has physically retreated?
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