The trial arising from the Cagliari Anti-Mafia Directorate's investigation into the "Sardinian Legionary Front," the group accused of apology for fascism and far-right propaganda, opened today before the Nuoro Court of Assizes, presided over by Elena Meloni and assisted by Filippo Orani. The hearing was adjourned until July 2 to allow DDA prosecutor Guido Pani to respond to preliminary questions raised by attorney Angelo Magliochetti, who argued for Federico Paolo Capra that the criminal case was inadmissible before the Court of Assizes because he was only accused of domestic violence through threats. Magliochetti argued that there was no complaint from the defendants. Another issue is jurisdiction: the crime would fall within the jurisdiction of a single judge.
Torpè brothers Angelo and Niccolò Sulas, aged 31 and 26 respectively, Ananio Manca, 43, Federico Capra, 41, Martino Manca, 37, and Gian Piero Gusinu, 61, were charged in court on various charges. They are represented by lawyers Gianluca Sannio, Margherita Baragliu, Rinaldo Lai, Angelo Manconi, and Angelo Magliocchetti. Luisella Pirisi has joined the civil action. The other defendants were sentenced under an abbreviated trial procedure in January: Davide Capra agreed to a plea bargain of one year and nine months, Dino Asole to ten months, and Daniele Gabriel Manca and Paolo Vilia to seven months each.
Simone Pau's case was dismissed, while Michele Magrini died during the proceedings.
The investigation by the Carabinieri ROS (Special Operations Squad) had outlined a very broad accusation: from association with subversive aims and the reorganization of the fascist party (later reconfigured as apologia) to arson, intimidating attacks, threats, drug trafficking, illegal possession of weapons, and incidents aggravated by racial hatred. Fascist propaganda through leaflets, symbols, and demonstrations attributable to the so-called "Sardinian Legionary Front" and the "Last Legion" was also contested.
