Piacenza Primary Arrested for Sexual Violence Against Colleagues
Piacenza, Italy – May 8, 2025
Emanuele Michieletti, the director of the Radiology Department at Piacenza’s Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, was arrested on May 7, 2025, on charges of aggravated sexual violence and stalking against female doctors and nurses at the hospital. The arrest, reported by Corriere di Bologna and amplified by posts on X, has sent shockwaves through the medical community, revealing what authorities describe as an “inquietante” (disturbing) pattern of abuse.
Michieletti, a prominent radiologist previously lauded for his contributions to medical research, including a 2020 study on COVID-19 prognoses published in Radiology, allegedly committed 32 documented acts of sexual violence over a 45-day period, as captured by surveillance footage. The incidents occurred during working hours, targeting colleagues and nurses in the hospital’s radiology unit. Following a report filed by a colleague in late March 2025, Piacenza’s public prosecutor’s office launched an investigation, leading to searches of Michieletti’s office and home and his subsequent house arrest.
The Local Health Authority (Ausl) of Piacenza expressed “full solidarity with the victims” and confidence in the judiciary, as noted in a statement reported by PiacenzaSera. The case has highlighted a “climate of strong omertà” (silence) within the hospital, with initial reports suggesting reluctance among staff to come forward, possibly due to Michieletti’s senior position. The investigation continues to uncover the full extent of the abuses, with authorities urging other potential victims to speak out.
This scandal marks a stark fall from grace for Michieletti, who had been celebrated for leading Piacenza’s radiology team to international recognition, including presentations at major forums like the RSNA in Chicago and the European Congress of Radiology in Vienna. The revelations have sparked public outrage and renewed calls for stronger workplace protections in Italy’s healthcare sector.
Sources: Corriere di Bologna, PiacenzaSera, X posts (@corrierebologna, @Radio1Rai, @chimera_mosh)