NEW DELHI: A controversial court ruling in Italy has led to an unusual form of protest, as citizens took to the streets to express their disapproval of a verdict stating that sexual assault cannot be considered a crime if the touching lasts less than 10 seconds. The ruling, which was made by a court in Rome, has sparked outrage across the country, especially among women’s rights activists, who view the decision as a dangerous undermining of sexual assault laws.
In response to this ruling, a group of protesters organized a demonstration where men and women were seen grope themselves in public to make a statement. The protest was aimed at highlighting the absurdity of the court’s decision and bringing attention to the problematic nature of such a verdict.
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The case that sparked the protest revolved around a man who was accused of groping a woman at a nightclub. The court ruled that the man could not be convicted of sexual assault because the touching lasted less than 10 seconds, asserting that the incident did not meet the threshold of “assault.” This legal interpretation was met with disbelief and anger by many, who argue that any form of unwanted sexual contact, regardless of duration, should be considered assault.
The protesters, many of whom were women, gathered in public spaces, particularly in Rome and Milan, to perform the self-groping act. The idea was to demonstrate how arbitrary and harmful such a legal precedent could be, as well as to raise awareness about the ongoing struggle for women’s safety and justice in Italy. The protesters called for a review of the ruling and demanded stricter laws to protect victims of sexual violence.
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Italian lawmakers and public figures have also expressed outrage over the decision. Several politicians, including members of the opposition, have called for reforms in the legal system to ensure that sexual assault is treated with the seriousness it deserves. They have emphasized that the law should prioritize the rights and dignity of the victims, rather than defending the actions of perpetrators.
This protest has not only ignited a national conversation about sexual assault laws in Italy but has also attracted international attention. Activists and organizations around the world have shown support for the protesters’ stance, highlighting the importance of clear, strong legal protections for survivors of sexual violence.