ABSTRACT
Mr Alessandro Padovani was a workman. On 21 February 1987 he was arrested by the police with regard to possession of stolen property. He was brought before the Bergamo magistrate, who immediately after questioning him confirmed his arrest. The magistrate also heard two other accused. On 26 February the magistrate issued a warrant for the applicant’s arrest and initiated immediate proceedings (giudizio direttissimo) against him and his co-accused. He set a hearing date of 2 March, and found the case proved against the applicant. He imposed a suspended sentence and a fine. The judgment was filed with the registry seven days later, on 9 March 1987. The applicant complained that the magistrate had not been an impartial tribunal. Comm found by majority (16-2) V 6(1).
