A 65-year-old man is facing a potential 24-year prison sentence after prosecutors accused him of knowingly infecting a woman with HIV, ultimately leading to her death in 2017. The case, currently before the Naples Assize Court, centers on allegations that the man engaged in unprotected sex with the 37-year-old Polish woman despite being aware of his HIV-positive status. This case highlights the severe legal and public health consequences of intentionally exposing others to HIV.
According to the Naples Prosecutor’s Office, the alleged offenses occurred in Ischia in the early 2000s, between 2001 and 2003, when the woman was living in the defendant’s home as a friend of his wife, who was too Polish. In addition to the charge of manslaughter, the man also faces accusations of causing grievous bodily harm to his wife by engaging in unprotected sex with her without disclosing his HIV status, resulting in an illness for which she is currently receiving treatment.
The Account in Court
During the trial, poignant video statements from the victim were presented, and the lawyer representing the victim’s family recalled how the woman arrived in Italy at age 20 “with a suitcase full of dreams,” only to encounter what he described as “her tormentor and her murderer.” The victim, while hospitalized and debilitated by AIDS, recounted the abuse she suffered, stating, “I remember the first time, he punched me and raped me. It happened about ten times. Then he threatened to kill me if I spoke, and I remained silent.”
Prosecutors allege the woman was subjected to repeated sexual assault, and potentially also blackmailed, on at least ten occasions. The prosecution, led by Deputy Prosecutor Raffaello Falcone and Deputy Prosecutor Valentina Maisto, requested the 24-year sentence on March 11, 2026. The defense has requested the man’s acquittal on both charges. A response from the prosecution and the final verdict are expected on March 25, 2026.
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