Podcast Summary: The Global Story – "The murders that moved a nation: Italy’s new femicide law"

Podcast: Global News Podcast (BBC World Service)
Hosts: Asma Khalid, Tristan Redman
Guests: Chiara Tramontano (sister of Giulia Tramontano), Sarah Rainsford (BBC Rome Correspondent)
Date: December 14, 2025
Theme: In response to a series of harrowing murders of women, Italy has passed a new femicide law. The episode investigates what this law means, whether it will change anything, and how high-profile cases – particularly that of Giulia Tramontano – galvanized the Italian public.

Episode Overview

The episode examines Italy’s new femicide law through personal testimony and expert analysis, asking whether its passage is likely to bring about real change for women or if it’s mostly symbolic. Central to the story is the personal account of Chiara Tramontano, whose sister Giulia was murdered by her partner, and how this and other recent crimes accelerated legislative action in Italy. The show also explores wider societal debates, legal implications, and the role of education versus legislation in preventing gender-based violence.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Tragedy of Giulia Tramontano (02:44 – 16:06)

• Chiara Tramontano’s Testimony:

  • Chiara describes Giulia as a deeply sensitive, kind, and gentle person who “loves to help people. She is kind. She's gentle. I say she's a rare flower in the garden.” (04:16)
  • Describes their inverted roles: “I always recognized in Julia a great sensitivity which could have also been dangerous for her... I just wanted to protect my sister.” (04:49)
  • Explains the period leading to Giulia’s death—a turbulent relationship, suspicions of infidelity, and emotional struggle, but no clear signs of violence: “Her relationship was coming to an end... there was no red flag of violence.” (06:42)

• Discovery and Impact of Giulia’s Murder:

  • The family realized something was wrong when Giulia missed their routine Sunday video call. Efforts to reach her and her partner’s evasive responses escalated the worry. (07:39)
  • Chiara recounts the discovery of Giulia's body and the devastation it caused: “This is the moment to be strong, because in this street we found your sister. My brother told me, it's finished, it's finished. We have to... Don't tell our parents anything.” (09:06)
  • The murder was especially brutal: Giulia was found to have been poisoned over several months before the fatal attack. “She was poisoned with an increasing amount of rat poison, which was given to her in tea prepared by her partner and in water.” (13:00)

• Criminal Trial and Legal Shortcomings:

  • At the time of the trial, no femicide law existed. The partner was found guilty of aggravated voluntary homicide and non-consensual termination of pregnancy.
  • Chiara’s mixed feelings: “I felt it's finished... but I was afraid that the world would forget my sister... At the end of the fight, I was empty. I did not win anything.” (12:03)
  • On the lack of recognition for premeditation: “They did not recognize premeditation which I do believe was instead so much clearer because my sister had been poisoned...” (12:03)

Notable Quote

“Don't live in fear. Don't stop loving for the fear of being hurt.” – Chiara Tramontano, message to her niece (14:52)

2. The National Reckoning and the Rise of Italy's Femicide Law (16:06 – 28:51)

• Broader National Reaction:

  • A second high-profile killing – that of Giulia Ceccatin – created further outrage and increased pressure on lawmakers.
  • “The nation was basically transfixed, first of all to find Julia and then to find her killer.” – Sarah Rainsford (20:54)

• Law in Focus:

  • The new law recognizes femicide—the murder of a woman because of her gender—as a standalone crime.
  • “Whilst Italian law and international law has the crime of homicide, from the word for man, femicide is distinctly about the murder of a woman because of her gender...” – Sarah Rainsford (19:26)
  • The law defines femicide as murder “as an act of control, as an act of domination, as an act of subjugation... specifically because she's a woman.” (19:56)

• Symbolism vs. Substance:

  • Debate exists over whether the law is primarily symbolic, or if it will generate real change. Some families affected by femicide, such as Giulia Ceccatin’s, feel the new law’s impact is more about visibility than real legal change, as killers can already receive life sentences. (21:40)
  • Critics and supporters agree legislative change alone is insufficient. “You can't legislate away something like femicide... need for changes in the education system here in Italy...” (23:39)

• Politics and Cross-Party Support:

  • The law was passed with unanimous, bipartisan support and is championed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, though critics argue it’s “gesture politics” as it lacks allocated funding for education or police resources. (24:39)
  • “The critics would say, though, this was gesture politics... There's no money attached to this law.” – Sarah Rainsford (24:39)
  • Few countries globally, and only a handful in the EU, have similar specific laws.

• Italian Societal Factors:

  • Italy’s problem is not statistically worse than other countries, but “in Italy, the macho culture is alive and kicking.” (27:18)
  • A tangible need for educational reform is highlighted by a recent scandal: students made a “rape list” in a Rome school, activating public debate and underscoring deep-rooted societal issues. (28:21)

3. Education vs. Legislation in Preventing Femicide

• Root Causes:
  • Both survivors and observers emphasize that real change hinges on education and cultural transformation.
  • Chiara: “Rather than a law, we need education... we really teach how to approach the other gender to prevent this kind of violence and hate.” (14:08)
  • Ongoing resistance to mandatory sexual and emotional education in schools, especially from Italy’s right-wing political groups. (23:39)

4. Personal Closure and the Importance of Memory (29:02 – 30:35)

• Chiara’s Reason for Speaking Out:
  • She struggled with shame and silence after her sister’s murder but chose to share her story to keep Giulia’s memory alive, especially outside Italy.
  • “Maybe after this interview, people will know more about her. And I hope this helps someone else.” (29:19)
  • “I'm happy one more person knows her now and you will not forget her. So I just made my point. That's it.” (29:19)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• “She is kind. She's gentle. I say she's a rare flower in the garden.” – Chiara Tramontano, on her sister Giulia (04:16)
• “There was no red flag of violence. She was aware that she would have soon taken a decision... to quit a relationship and just start over with the child alone.” – Chiara Tramontano (06:42)
• “The police officer just told my brother, this is the moment to be strong, because in this street we found your sister.” – Chiara Tramontano (09:06)
• “She was poisoned with an increasing amount of rat poison, which was given to her in tea prepared by her partner and in water.” – Chiara Tramontano (13:00)
• “I do think it changed something. I do think it kind of speed[ed] up the trial itself. But I think this is still not enough... we need education in this country.” – Chiara Tramontano (14:08)
• “Her sister's killer was not a monster... but... the healthy son of a patriarchy.” – Sarah Rainsford, recalling Giulia Ceccatin’s sister’s words (22:08)
• “The critics would say, though, this was gesture politics... There's no money attached to this law.” – Sarah Rainsford (24:39)
• “I'm happy one more person knows her now and you will not forget her. So I just made my point. That's it.” – Chiara Tramontano (29:19)

Key Timestamps

• 02:44 – Introduction of Giulia Tramontano’s case with her sister Chiara
• 04:16 – 05:15 – Chiara describes Giulia and their relationship
• 07:39 – Discovery of Giulia’s absence and family’s efforts to find her
• 09:06 – Moment of discovery of Giulia’s body
• 13:00 – Revelation of poisoning and trial details
• 14:08 – Chiara discusses the impact of the femicide law and calls for education
• 16:06 – 18:50 – Broader national reaction and the case of Giulia Ceccatin
• 19:26 – Sarah Rainsford explains the specifics of the femicide law
• 22:08 – Importance of recognizing societal roots; critique of the law’s effectiveness
• 24:39 – Giorgia Meloni’s role and criticisms of the law as symbolic
• 27:18 – Deeper cultural issues in Italy and recent high-profile school scandal
• 29:19 – 30:35 – Chiara’s closing reflections on memory, stigma, and advocacy

Conclusion

This episode provides a heart-wrenching, personal window into the toll of gender-based violence, explaining why Italy’s new femicide law has garnered such attention and debate. While the law is seen as a crucial first step for visibility and public acknowledgment, both legal experts and families stress it is insufficient without broader efforts—particularly education—to change attitudes and prevent violence against women.

The episode’s tone balances deep empathy with critical analysis, highlighting the human cost behind the headlines and the complexities of legal and cultural change.

For listeners seeking more on the topic or to honor Giulia’s memory, Chiara Tramontano hopes that sharing her sister’s story will foster remembrance and encourage meaningful action.

Produced by Valerio Esposito, edited by James Shield. For feedback or suggestions: theglobalstory@bbc.com