Overview
- The preliminary-hearings judge ruled that the alleged conduct did not constitute a criminal offense, closing the case at first instance.
- The four-count indictment concerned one episode at Sant’Anna hospital in 2018, for which prosecutors had already asked acquittal, and three alleged incidents in 2023 at Viale’s private studio.
- The investigation followed public testimonies linked to a 2023 #MeToo event, with initial reports citing up to ten women and six positions later steered toward dismissal pending oppositions.
- Viale, defended by lawyer Cosimo Palumbo, consistently denied wrongdoing and said the ruling affirms what occurs in legitimate gynecological examinations.
- The complainants’ lawyers praised their clients’ courage and said they will assess possible steps after the court issues its written reasoning.