On February 28, 2025, the Italian television program Quarto Grado, hosted by Gianluigi Nuzzi and Alessandra Viero, dives deep once againinto the harrowing unsolved cases surrounding Pierina Paganelli and Saman Abbas. This week, the show emphasizes both cases as examples of familial violence and societal issues plaguing modern Italy.
The first segment focuses on Saman Abbas, born on December 18, 2002, who was born in Pakistan and moved with her family to Novellara, Emilia Romagna, in 2016. Her tragic story, which highlights the extreme measures taken by her family, reflects the severe consequences of forced marriage and domestic violence. During her youth, Saman met Saquib Ayub via social media but was soon pressured to marry her cousin back home, putting her life at risk. "Saman era spesso costretta a rimanere a casa, con il permesso di utilizzare il telefono per una sola ora al giorno" (Saman was often forced to stay home with permission to use the phone for only one hour each day), said Ayub, illustrating the severe restrictions placed on her life.
On May 1, 2021, after numerous attempts to escape her reality, Saman was reported missing. Digital evidence, including messages sent to Ayub about her abusive treatment and fears for her life, paints a disturbing picture of her last days. After not being heard from, she was seen on surveillance footage leaving her home with her parents but quickly vanished from view within moments. Given the timelines of events, police investigations quickly led to suspicions on her relatives, particularly her father, Shabbar Abbas, and her mother, Nazia Shaheen, who have since been sentenced to life imprisonment for their involvement, and her uncle, Danish Hasnain, who received a 14-year prison sentence.
The show also covers the appeal process initiated after the first convictions, which now involves Saman’s cousins Ikram Ijaz and Nomanhulaq Nomanhulaq, previously acquitted. This case has raised numerous questions about familial obligations, cultural practices, and the extreme results of these traditions.
Transitioning from this heartbreaking narrative, Quarto Grado examines the equally complex case of Pierina Paganelli, the elderly woman murdered with 29 stab wounds. This case has descended from tragedy to chaos, where Valeria Bartolucci, wife of the main suspect Louis Dassilva, continues to create confusion through conflicting statements. Bartolucci stands accused of planting seeds of doubt and spinning tales against Manuela and Loris Bianchi, who are defending themselves against her accusations. "Valeria sta mentendo per tirarli in ballo e vendicarsi così della relazione clandestina" (Valeria is lying to drag them in and take revenge for the secret affair), states Manuela, intensifying the dramatic tensions within the community of Via del Ciclamino.
New revelations have surfaced, including intercepted conversations between Bartolucci and legal experts, hinting at attempts to influence the investigation and protect her husband. This growth of tension and counter-accusations presents the potential for significant developments as legal proceedings advance, reflecting not just the personal conflicts but highlighting systemic issues within their society.
Throughout the episode, various experts take the stage, offering perspectives on both cases. Figures such as Luciano Garofano and Carmen Pugliese highlight the importance of public scrutiny and investigative diligence. The pulsation of audience involvement during these episodes emphasizes society's demand for justice, appealing for thorough investigations and accountability for all involved.
Finally, as the episode draws to a close, viewers are left reflecting on the broader societal issues presented through these tragic individual stories. Both Saman Abbas’s heartbreaking narrative of familial abuse and Paganelli’s brutal murder underline pressing societal needs for change, protection of vulnerable individuals, and awareness of domestic violence. "Dopo mesi di incertezze sul caso, Danish Hasnain è stato arrestato" (After months of uncertainties about the case, Danish Hasnain has been arrested), presents hope for resolution, yet also underlines the gravity of such systemic issues facing many modern families.
The episode of Quarto Grado serves as not just entertainment but as a stark reminder of the real-world impact such cases have, shedding light on the urgent need for societal change and support for victims of domestic violence. With the community of quartograders engaging actively each week through social media, it’s clear the demand for justice and resolution is strong, echoing through the cries of the victim’s families seeking closure.