An Italian judge has ruled that United Nations (U.N.) staffers cannot be prosecuted over the deaths of Italian nationals in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The ruling comes after an investigation into the 2017 deaths of two Italian citizens, Luca Attanasio, an Italian ambassador, and his bodyguard Vittorio Iacovacci, during a failed kidnapping attempt in eastern Congo.
Judge Saverio Salsano, presiding over the case, stated that the U.N. staff members involved in the incident are protected by diplomatic immunity. This ruling effectively halts any legal action against them in connection with the deaths.
The tragic event occurred on February 22, 2017, near the city of Goma. Luca Attanasio, 43, was serving as Italy's ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo when an armed group attacked their convoy. Both Attanasio and his bodyguard Iacovacci, 30, were fatally shot during the ambush. The driver, Mustapha Milambo, a Congolese national, was also killed.
According to the Italian prosecutors, the attack was likely carried out by the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a rebel group operating in the region. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, as investigations continue, but it is believed to have been an attempted kidnapping.
The U.N. Assistance Mission in Congo (MONUSCO) had provided security for the convoy, and their personnel were present during the attack. The Italian government had initiated legal proceedings against some U.N. personnel involved, arguing that they should be held responsible for negligence and failing to provide adequate security measures.
However, Judge Salsano's ruling highlights the protection granted to U.N. staff members under diplomatic immunity arrangements. This legal doctrine gives diplomats and their staff certain privileges and immunities, which include immunity from prosecution in the country they are serving in.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions, with some criticizing the outcome, stating that it deprives justice from being served. Others argue that it upholds internationally recognized diplomatic protocols and reinforces the need for thorough investigations when such incidents occur.
The U.N. mission in Congo has expressed its condolences for the loss of life that occurred during the attack and reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its personnel. They also stated their willingness to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigations.
While this ruling prevents legal action against the U.N. staffers involved in this specific case, it does not diminish the importance of addressing security issues and ensuring accountability for actions taken in the line of duty. Efforts to improve security protocols for diplomatic missions and prevent similar incidents in the future remain essential.
As investigations continue, it is hoped that the truth surrounding the deaths of Luca Attanasio and Vittorio Iacovacci will be revealed and that measures will be put in place to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring again.
