Outrage of Law

by Federico Focherini & Massimo Prati -

ederico Focherini was investigated for and then accused of murder and subsequently sentenced by the Court of Rome on 21 January 2010 to six years in prison for the death of his partner Claudia Bianchi, also an IFBB professional bodybuilder (Miss Universe 2002). She died in Rome on 8 March 2004.

Proclaiming his innocence, Focherini continued to fight to prove his innocence. After more than seven years of judicial mishaps delaying the finalisation of his case, officially renounced his right to use prescription for the crimes of "Murder as a result of another crime" and Dealing in illegal substances." On 23 October 2012, after refusing prescription and requesting that his trial be fast-tracked he was acquitted of both charges by the Court of Modena because "There are no facts to support the charges". The disastrous consequences of his stay in prison and the defamatory accusations made in the media, combined with the enormous expenses resulting from his legal battle caused him to emigrate to the USA and then, in 2008, to South Africa in an effort to rebuild his life.

The story of Federico Focherini is that of an ordinary citizen who stood alone to defend himself, while still respecting the rules of the trial process. It is a sad tale that is more about human trials than legal ones.

The title of this book expresses the sentiment that "Outrage of Law" is the only response that can condemn those who use their power as an axe to destroy someone's life without reason.