Justice for Genoa

Seven years ago, the G8 meeting in Genoa saw unprecedented public protests against the self-appointed rulers of the world. It also saw a then-unprecedented police response in a Western democracy, with the centre of the city shut down, armed guards patrolling the perimeter, and tens of thousands of riot police deployed (sadly, this response has now become the rule). Thousands of protesters were arrested; hundreds were taken to the Bolzaneto police barracks, where they were stripped, beaten, deprived of food and water, threatened with rape, and tortured by police and officials. The doctors and paramedics, who were supposed to care for the prisoners, participated in the abuse. Now, an Italian court has convicted 15 officials, including prison chief Biagio Gugliotta, on charges ranging from assault to inhuman and degrading treatment. It's a victory for justice and human rights, but unfortunately, there's a catch: thanks to Italy's odd statute of limitations (which sets a time limit on final conviction, rather than being charged), none of those convicted will serve any time. Instead, they will walk free, despite having been convicted of some of the worst abuses in recent European history. So, maybe its not such a victory for justice after all...