A Father’s Grief and the Shadow of Doubt
A photograph of his daughter that he no longer recognizes stares back at him. Pain compounded by pain. It’s a grief that Gino Cecchettin carries with a straight back, even though weariness surely weighs upon him. He silently absorbs the criticisms levelled against him, accusations of exhibitionism. He refuses to allow himself to be swept away by emotional outbursts, maintaining his focus on love as an antidote to violence. This time, however, it’s intensely personal. “Yesterday I felt offended again, and Giulia’s memory was humiliated,” he shared.
A Murder Trial and the Kira of Premeditation
The Venetian courtroom reverberates with the weight of a tragic loss. Giulia Cecchettin, a young woman full of life, was brutally murdered on November 11, 2023. Filippo Turetta, her ex-boyfriend, admitted to the crime. But the question of premeditation hangs heavy in the air
The defense’s strategy centers on dispelling the notion of a planned attack. They pointed to a list of objects found on Turetta’s phone, compiled on November 7th, arguing that it spoke to the premeditation of a kidnapping, not murder.
“Wet sock in mouth, take off shoes, tie ankles above and below knees, lock car doors,” the list read.
“Is this the list of who you want to kill? Lock the doors so you don’t run away after killing her? Should I put a sock in the mouth and take off the shoes of a corpse?” The defender’s question hung in the air, provoking a visceral reaction from Giulia’s father.
Turetta’s lawyers underscored their client’s supposed vulnerability: a shy, insecure young man incapable of managing his emotions.
But Giulia’s journal paints a different picture. In its pages, she documented her growing fear of Turetta.
“He has strange ideas about taking justice into his own hands. My space doesn’t exist. He says harsh things. He controls me,” Giulia wrote, chronicling the escalating tension in their relationship.
Other lists, created by Turetta, detailed behaviors that further hinted at an obsessive and potentially dangerous fixation on Giulia.
The prosecution, led by Andrea Petrone, didn’t hesitate to call it what it was: a textbook case of feminicide. They demanded a life sentence, emphasizing that Giulia’s death was the ultimate act of control in a pattern of abuse.
Clashing Narratives in the Courtroom
On social media, Gino Cecchettin expressed his distress at the defense’s approach:
“The defense of an accused is an inviolable right, guaranteed by the law at every stage and level of the proceedings. However, I believe that in exercising this right it is important to keep within a limit which, although not formally codified, is dictated by human common sense and respect,” he wrote.
“Going beyond it, he adds, risks increasing the pain of the victim’s family and arousing indignation in those who assist.”
The defense responded in the evening, firmly asserting their commitment to their client while maintaining respect for the judicial process.
“As defenders we are absolutely certain that we have not exceeded the limits of expressive continence in any way and that we have not disrespected anyone. We have only carried out our duty in a State of law,” stated lawyers Giovanni Caruso and Monica Cornaviera.
The verdict in this emotionally charged trial is expected on December 3rd. Until then, the shadows of doubt continue to linger, entwined with the profound sorrow of a father who remembers his daughter’s smile in a photograph that now feels like a stranger.
How do Gino Cecchettin’s views on Turetta’s actions contrast with the defense’s arguments?
## Interview with Gino Cecchettin
**(Intro Music)**
**Host:** Welcome back to the program. Today we are joined by Gino Cecchettin, the father of Giulia Cecchettin, the young woman tragically murdered last November. Mr. Cecchettin, thank you for being here today.
**Gino Cecchettin:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Your daughter Giulia was taken from you in a senseless act of violence. It must be incredibly difficult to process this loss.
**Gino Cecchettin:** It is. Every day is a struggle. But I draw strength from Giulia’s memory, and from the love that surrounds us. While I try to maintain my composure, hearing Giulia’s memory attacked and misrepresented is incredibly painful [[1](https://www.repubblica.it/italia/2024/11/25/news/filippo_turetta_processo_giulia_cecchettin_ergastolo-423721867/)].
**Host:** The trial of Giulia’s former boyfriend, Filippo Turetta, is ongoing. His defense is arguing against a premeditation charge, relying on a list found on Turetta’s phone that they say suggests a kidnapping plan. How do you respond to that argument?
**Gino Cecchettin:** It’s a desperate attempt to minimize the horrific act committed. My daughter knew Turetta, and as her journal revealed, she was genuinely afraid of him. “He has strange ideas about taking justice,” she wrote. [[1](https://www.repubblica.it/italia/2024/11/25/news/filippo_turetta_processo_giulia_cecchettin_ergastolo-423721867/)]
A list of methods for restraining someone, written prior to the murder, doesn’t sound like a spur of the moment decision to me. It’s clear to me that Giulia’s murder was planned and premeditated.
**Host:** This must be excruciatingly difficult to relive these details in the courtroom.
**Gino Cecchettin:** It is. But I owe it to Giulia to be a voice for her, to ensure justice is served.
**Host:** Your strength and determination are truly inspiring, Mr. Cecchettin. Thank you for sharing your story with us today.
**Gino Cecchettin:** Thank you.
**(Outro Music)**