Nessy Guerra, 26, from Sanremo, was convicted on appeal of adultery—a crime that has not existed in Italy for nearly 60 years.
4:06 PM
Nessy Guerra, a 26-year-old Italian citizen from Sanremo, has been sentenced to six months in prison by an Egyptian appellate court on charges of adultery, a crime that has not existed in Italian law for nearly 60 years.
The appellate verdict, delivered today, confirms a first-instance conviction handed down February 19 by Egyptian judges. The charges were brought by Guerra's ex-husband, Tamer Hamouda, an Italian-Egyptian national. Guerra is the mother of a three-year-old daughter whose custody is contested by Hamouda.
In a video posted to Instagram, Guerra expressed shock and fear about the outcome. "I didn't expect it, I'm devastated. I'm afraid of losing my daughter. I'm afraid of ending up in prison in Egypt. I don't know how to ask for help anymore," she said through tears. She stated that her only intention was to flee from the man with her child and protect her. "I really hope that those responsible, the Italian government, the institutions will put their hand on their conscience and help us, because we can no longer manage in this situation, which is becoming increasingly unbearable," she added.
Adultery remains a criminal offense under Egyptian law. Guerra faces the possibility of losing custody of her daughter as a result of the conviction.
Agata Armanetti, Guerra's lawyer in Italy, stated that her client is an Italian citizen and that adultery is not a crime in Italy. "Humanly speaking, no one should go to prison for adultery, let alone a woman who is a victim of violence," Armanetti said. The lawyer argued that Italian authorities should have intervened to prevent the conviction. Armanetti also noted that during the court hearing, Hamouda declared himself to be Jesus Christ and said he was on Earth to punish people.
The Italian Foreign Ministry, through its embassy in Cairo and consular offices in Cairo and Hurghada, stated it has been following the case with close attention for several months and is providing legal assistance and protection to Guerra and her daughter.
Prosecutors allege luxury escort operation involved players from Inter, Milan, Juve and other Serie A clubs. Four arrested.
Mario Bustamante Leiva, 50, pleaded guilty to robbery and fraud charges in Washington D.C. and faces deportation to Chile after serving his sentence.
Italian entertainer posts signs at historic theater, calls sale a "crime" against Italian entertainment history.
Italian authorities handed over the suspect to the United States following his arrest in Milan last July on cyber-espionage charges.
Two soldiers received 30 days military detention; six others faced separate action for failing to intervene.
Italian broadcaster celebrates four decades on air, discussing her career trajectory and expressing confidence in Stefano De Martino's hosting abilities at the upcoming festival.
