The Supreme Court of Cassation in Rome has annulled the extradition of former Brazilian federal deputy Carla Zambelli to Brazil. The ruling, issued this Friday, also ordered her immediate release, and she was freed on Friday night.
Zambelli had been held in Italy since July of last year. Her legal team, including lawyer Fabio Pagnozzi, described the decision as a surprise, noting that the court found the Brazilian convictions to be disproportionate and based on “very weak” evidence.
A Significant Legal Precedent
The defense suggests this case could have broader implications for international law. Lawyer Pagnozzi stated that the ruling may serve as jurisprudence for other individuals who claim to be persecuted in foreign countries.
Zambelli, who resigned her mandate on December 14 after a vote for her removal by the Commission on Constitution, Justice, and Citizenship, has maintained her innocence. She has characterized the legal actions against her as political persecution.
The Background of the Convictions
The extradition request was originally filed by the Brazilian government in June 2025. This followed a 10-year prison sentence handed down by Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF) regarding an alleged attempt to invade the National Council of Justice (CNJ) system.
Prosecutors alleged that Zambelli coordinated with hacker Walter Delgatti to facilitate the invasion to include false release orders and forged arrest warrants. While Delgatti confessed to the attack and claimed he acted on her orders, Zambelli denies any involvement, calling him a “pathological liar.”
Zambelli also faces a separate legal matter in Brazil involving a 2022 incident in São Paulo. For those charges, which include illegal firearm possession and illegal constraint, she was sentenced to 5 years and 3 months in a semi-open regime.
What Happens Next
The judicial decision will now be forwarded to Italy’s Minister of Justice, Carlo Nordio. The minister may provide either a favorable or unfavorable opinion regarding the extradition process.
Minister Nordio has 45 days to complete this review. A possible next step will depend on whether his assessment aligns with the Supreme Court’s recent findings regarding the nature of the evidence presented by Brazil.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why was the extradition of Carla Zambelli annulled?
The Supreme Court of Cassation in Rome determined that the convictions in Brazil were disproportionate and were based on “very weak” evidence. - What crimes was Zambelli accused of in Brazil?
She was convicted for her alleged role in a hacker-led invasion of the National Council of Justice system and for crimes related to illegal firearm possession and harassment in 2022. - What is the current status of the extradition request?
The decision is now pending with Italy’s Minister of Justice, Carlo Nordio, who has 45 days to issue a ruling.
How should international courts balance extradition requests with allegations of political persecution?
