Italian army woman to face abuse inquiry

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The Independent
By Jon Phillips in Rome
22 December 2004


An investigation into an alleged attack on a young Italian army recruit by a woman non-commissioned officer has undermined claims by the defence ministry that the army's notorious bullying culture has been eradicated.

When a male recruit to the elite parachute regiment asked permission from a male NCO, identified as Cpl Major Francesco V, to make a telephone call home from the regimental base near the Tuscan city of Siena, he was ordered to lie on the ground and begin press-ups. The practice is considered standard operating procedure for the airborne regiment's ultra-macho style of leadership, said Rome's Il Messaggero newspaper.

But the situation is said to have worsened when Cpl Major Roberta S, 24, appeared and allegedly put the boot into the prostrate young private, kicking him twice in the ribs.

The paratrooper collapsed and was taken to hospital, where he was treated for bruises and cuts; the two NCOs were placed on military charges of violence and injuring an inferior after formal complaints were filed against them by their commanding officer.

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