Politics · Italy · 7 hrs ago
Italy's judicial council seeks protection for judge who freed Youssef Siher
A Milan judge ordered Youssef Siher released after declining to validate his detention.
Siher is an Italian researcher of Moroccan origin who administers a Telegram channel called Movimento 17 ottobre.
The decision drew criticism from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and other government figures, while opposition politicians defended judicial independence.
The Supreme Council of the Judiciary has requested a measure to protect judge Tiziana Landoni, saying political remarks could undermine her.
Milan court leaders are monitoring social media for threats against her.
Justice Minister Carlo Nordio has ruled out sending ministry inspectors to Milan, and no further action is specified.
Italy’s Superior Council of the Judiciary has requested a protective measure for Milan judge Tiziana Landoni after she released Youssef Siher.
Landoni had declined to validate Siher’s detention, prompting criticism from government figures.
The council request said judicial decisions may be criticised but should not be portrayed as obstructing public safety or diminishing police work.
Milan court leaders have begun monitoring social media for threats against the judge.
Justice Minister Carlo Nordio ruled out sending inspectors to Milan, while saying he was surprised by the judge’s decision.
- Who
- The Superior Council of the Judiciary requested protection for judge Tiziana Landoni, who released Youssef Siher.
- What
- The council sought a protective measure for Landoni amid political criticism of her decision.
- When
- The request was reported on October 29, 2026. Siher was detained the previous Saturday.
- Where
- Milan, Italy.
- Why
- Council members said statements by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni could delegitimise the judge.
Government critics of the release
Supporters of the judge’s decision and judicial independence
The release
Government critics of the release
Government figures criticised Landoni’s decision; Matteo Salvini called it a “bad signal,” and a Forza Italia representative said Siher should have remained in prison.
Supporters of the judge’s decision and judicial independence
Supporters said the decision reflected judicial independence and the rule of law.
The judge’s conduct
Government critics of the release
Salvini questioned whether a judge who had signed an appeal on Gaza could be mentally free.
Supporters of the judge’s decision and judicial independence
The council request said judicial decisions may be criticised but should not be portrayed as obstructing public safety or diminishing police work.
Siher was detained.
Milan judge Tiziana Landoni released Siher and did not validate his detention.
The Superior Council of the Judiciary requested a protective measure for Landoni.
- Judge
- Tiziana Landoni
- Released person
- Youssef Siher
- Council
- Italy’s Superior Council of the Judiciary
- Request reported
- October 29, 2026
- Minister
- Carlo Nordio
2 sources
What people are saying
Judicial decisions can be criticised, even severely, but they cannot be presented as an obstacle to citizens’ security or as a mortification of the work of the police
bad signal
There is no basis for a serious disturbance to the exercise of judicial functions
unacceptable