Matteo Falcinelli, an Italian student studying in America, was subjected to alleged police brutality in Miami. According to reports, Falcinelli, a 25-year-old man from Spoleto, was arrested outside a nightclub in Miami Beach on the night of February 24. What followed was a series of events that left him traumatized and his family distraught.
Videos released by Quotidiano Nazionale, show Falcinelli being hogtied and restrained by police for a staggering 13 minutes. His mother, Valsta Studenikova, described the experience as torture, lamenting the loss of her son’s smile and dreams, which ultimately led him to attempt suicide.
“He was tortured: just watch the videos to understand,” she pleaded. Falcinelli’s hands bore nerve damage from the tightness of the restraints, rendering him unable to perform basic tasks. The trauma extended beyond physical injuries, haunting him in nightmares where the police return to torment him.
The incident prompted swift action from the Italian consulate general in Miami and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome. They have been actively involved in the case, providing support to Falcinelli and his family while condemning the alleged mistreatment by local authorities. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani urged the US ambassador to Italy to prioritize the matter, emphasizing Italy’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of its citizens abroad.
Despite the distressing nature of the ordeal, Falcinelli’s family remains resolute in their pursuit of justice. They have vowed to press charges and seek accountability for the trauma inflicted upon their son.
As the legal proceedings unfold and Falcinelli continues his recovery, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that brings closure and justice to a young man whose pursuit of education turned into a nightmare after one night out on the town.
