Nine more people including eight
minors were arrested Wednesday on suspicion of belonging to a
teen gang who beat to death a 65-year-old man at Manduria near
Taranto in Puglia in April.
The man, Antonio Cosimo Stano, died on April 23 after being
bullied and beaten by the gang.
The adult and eight minors, all in their teens, have been
charged with torture, grievous bodily harm, damages and breaking
and entering.
Last month a preliminary investigations judge in Taranto
oruled that two young adults accused of torturing Stano to death
must remain in jail.
"The beatings were synchronised and well-rehearsed," said the
judge.
The victim was subjected to "inhuman and degrading treatment,
terrorised, insulted with spitting and pushed into a state of
confusion and disorientation" before being tortured to death,
the judge said.
Another judge ruled that the six minors accused in the same
case should stay in detention too.
Stano died of his injuries on April 23 after 18 days in
hospital and two operations following a series of alleged
beatings and acts of bullying by the gang of youths, both in the
street and in the victim's home.
Videos of the violence that members of the gang allegedly
shared on Whatsapp is among the evidence that has been gathered
by investigators.
The victim is said to have suffered psychological problems
and was unable to defend himself.
The case has caused widespread shock in Italy.
The suspects are accused of crimes including torture,
criminal damage, abduction and trespassing.
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