Politics · Italy · 4 hrs ago
Italian government seeks €18.5 million from six defendants in Hamas funding case
The Italian government is seeking €18.5 million from six defendants in a case over alleged funding for Hamas.
The defendants include Palestinian activist Mohammad Hannoun, whom prosecutors describe as a leader of an alleged Hamas cell in Italy.
Prosecutors say Hannoun and others collected more than €18 million through charities and linked groups between 2001 and 2025, with more than €7 million allegedly going to Hamas.
The government says the case damaged Italy's international image and cost more than €745,000 in police overtime.
Prosecutors want the six put on trial on terrorism-related charges, but the allegations have not been decided in court.
Defense lawyers have raised objections about translations, access to recordings, investigators' use of artificial intelligence and online material, and documents from Israel.
The judge will decide on November 24 whether the defendants should stand trial, after defense arguments scheduled for November 17 and 20.
The Italian government is seeking €18.5 million in damages from six defendants in a case over alleged funding for Hamas.
The government says the case damaged Italy’s image internationally and cost more than €745,000 in police overtime.
Prosecutors have asked for all six defendants to be sent to trial on terrorism-related charges.
The defendants’ lawyers raised objections to evidence and investigative methods, including the use of artificial intelligence.
A judge is due to decide whether the case will go to trial on November 24.
- Who
- The Italian government is seeking damages from Palestinian activist Mohammad Hannoun and five co-defendants.
- What
- The government is seeking €18.5 million in damages in a case over alleged funding for Hamas. Prosecutors have asked for the six defendants to be sent to trial.
- When
- The preliminary hearing began on November 12, 2026. The judge is due to decide on November 24.
- Where
- Italy; the hearing was before a judge in Italy.
- Why
- The government says the case damaged Italy’s international image and incurred investigation costs. Prosecutors allege that funds raised by the group supported Hamas.
Italian government and prosecutors
Defendants and their lawyers
Allegations
Italian government and prosecutors
Prosecutors allege that the defendants were involved in raising or supporting funds for Hamas.
Defendants and their lawyers
The lawyers raised objections to evidence and investigative procedures; the sources do not state a direct response to the allegations.
Legal proceedings
Italian government and prosecutors
The government is seeking damages, and prosecutors have asked for the defendants to be sent to trial.
Defendants and their lawyers
The lawyers challenged aspects of the case, including translations, access to recordings and the use of evidence from Israeli sources.
The alleged group is said to have collected more than €18 million through Abspp and two associated organizations.
Hannoun and three other defendants were in custody from this date, according to the article.
The preliminary hearing began, and prosecutors requested that the six defendants be sent to trial.
The hearing was scheduled to continue with arguments from the defense.
The judge is due to decide whether the case will go to trial.
- Damages sought
- €18.5 million
- Investigation costs
- More than €745,000 in police overtime
- Defendants
- Six, including Mohammad Hannoun
- Funds allegedly collected
- More than €18 million from 2001 to 2025
- Funds allegedly directed to Hamas
- More than €7 million
What people are saying
complicity of Italy in turning a blind eye
for the emergency