Overview
- Makka Sulaeva stabbed and killed her father during an episode of family violence on March 1, 2024, after she says she intervened to protect her mother and younger siblings.
- On June 5, 2026 the Corte d'Assise d'Appello di Torino overturned a 9-year, 4-month conviction from Alessandria, acquitted Sulaeva for legitimate self-defense, and ordered her return to liberty.
- Judges highlighted evidence of prolonged abuse including audio recorded by one of the children that captured beatings and cries claiming 'dad always hits mom', which the defence argued showed an immediate lethal threat.
- The public prosecutor acknowledged the abusive context but had asked for confirmation of the conviction and may consider further appeal, while the defence stressed that Sulaeva acted to shield her family.
- The ruling raises questions about how Italian courts weigh ongoing domestic violence, real-time danger and survivor trauma when deciding whether lethal force qualifies as lawful self-defense.