In a high-profile legal proceeding at the Tribunal of Reggio Emilia, the public prosecutor Valentina Salvi has demanded severe sentences for 14 defendants connected to the Bibbiano case, which has drawn national attention in Italy.

The prosecution alleges that the case involved a systematic process of removing children from vulnerable families and placing them with couples deemed 'more suitable'.

These demands come after a lengthy eight-session trial, with penalties ranging up to 15 years in prison.

The investigation originally encompassed 29 individuals, but has since seen reductions due to plea bargains and a few acquittals.

Among the accused is Federica Anghinolfi, former head of social services for the Unione Comuni della Val d'Enza, who is described by the prosecution as a central figure in the Bibbiano case.

Anghinolfi faces multiple charges including fraud, perjury, deceit, and personal injury, with the prosecutor seeking sentences totaling 15 years.

In related accusations, Nadia Bolognini, a psychotherapist previously married to Claudio Foti—another key figure in this controversy who has been acquitted of charges of official misconduct—faces a demand for 8 years and 3 months in prison.

Foti, associated with the non-profit organization Hansel & Gretel, along with Bolognini, reportedly collaborated extensively with social services to provide therapy for children believed to have suffered abuse, claims that the prosecution argues were unfounded.

The prosecution detailed how children were subjected to psychological harm and benefited from fraudulent assessments—citing fabricated reports that suggested the minors experienced unjustifiable terror towards their biological parents.

The underlying motive, according to the prosecution, was to facilitate the removal of children from their homes and promote foster care arrangements, with monthly costs reportedly reaching €1,300.

For the remaining eleven defendants, including neuropsychiatrists, psychologists, and educators, the sought sentences vary from one to eight years.

A verdict is anticipated by the end of May. In the meantime, the legal defense for the accused, such as Oliviero Mazza representing Anghinolfi, has described the proposed sentences as disproportionate and symbolic, suggesting that the prosecution failed to substantiate claims over three years of trial.

The Bibbiano case has reinvigorated political tensions in Italy, reminiscent of the controversies that surrounded the initial investigation six years prior.

Former Bibbiano mayor Andrea Carletti, affiliated with the Democratic Party, faced charges of misconduct but was acquitted last summer after the relevant law was repealed by Justice Minister Carlo Nordio.

At the onset of the investigation, members of the center-right political parties rallied support for the affected children.

Giorgia Meloni was photographed at the entrance of Bibbiano with a banner proclaiming solidarity, while Matteo Salvini asserted that those responsible for wrongdoing against children must face severe consequences.

Luigi Di Maio, previously with the Five Star Movement, vocally opposed the alleged actions of the authorities involved in the case.