The measure follows the murder of a student in a school in La Spezia. Ministers Giuseppe Valditara and Matteo piantedosi today signed a circular, aimed notably at the territorial branches of the two ministries, to combat knife use among young people. This includes, among other things, the use of metal detectors in schools. The measure – a joint statement informs - may be adopted at the request of school principals as part of systematic discussions with prefectures and police headquarters.
There is widespread shock in La Spezia,and throughout the country,over the death of Abanoub Youssef,stabbed in the hallways of his school by a classmate and fellow student,Zouhair Atif,with a knife with a blade over 22 centimeters long and as sharp as a razor,which instantly perforated ‘Aba’s’ spleen,liver,and lung.
The Circular
Targeted security checks may be considered “for schools presenting risk profiles,” while “in the most serious situations, with prior agreement and at the request of school principals,” the use of access control tools for buildings may be ordered, including the use of handheld metal detection devices. This is outlined in the joint directive signed by education Minister Giuseppe Valditara and Interior minister Matteo Piantedosi, containing ‘Measures to strengthen prevention and combatting of illegal phenomena in schools.’ The directive has been sent to prefects, government commissioners for the provinces of Trento and Bolzano, and to…
