Overview
- Preliminary hearing judge Francesco Valente accepted prosecutors’ requests and ordered 21 defendants to stand trial.
- The opening hearing is scheduled for April 21, 2026 in Potenza.
- The case concerns alleged environmental and health damage from emissions at the Taranto steel plant between 1995 and 2012 under the Riva family’s management.
- Charges include criminal association aimed at environmental disaster, poisoning of foodstuffs, and willful omission of workplace safety measures, while Nichi Vendola faces a concussione count over alleged pressure on ARPA Puglia and denies wrongdoing.
- The roster of defendants was reduced from 47 to 23 in the new proceeding, with 21 — 18 individuals and three companies — sent to trial.