Chico Forti embraces mother for first time in 16 years

(ANSA) - ROME, MAY 22 - Chico Forti, an Italian businessman sentenced to life for murder in the US who was greeted by Premier Giorgia Meloni on his return to serve out his term in Italy Sunday, on Wednesday saw his elderly mother for the first time in 16 years in his native Trento.
    Forti, 65, has so far served 24 years for murdering a Miami businessman, Dale Pike, whose father he was allegedly trying to swindle out of an Ibiza hotel in 1998.
    Meloni, who is among those believing in the innocence of the former professional windsurfer and extreme sports TV producer, has said he is expected to serve two more years before becoming eligible for semi-liberty, and will have served his full term in seven years.
    Her deciding to personally greet him after he returned on a special military flight at Rome's Ciampino Airport spurred criticism from the opposition.
    Forti's uncle Gianni told reporters what had happened when Forti saw his mother for the first time since 2008.
    "The first thing he told his mum was 'Mamma I love you. I'm here for you, She was very emotional.
    "Between kisses and hugs, she wanted to immediately make him some canederli (a local delicacy), but he told her he wasn't hungry, that he had already eaten". (ANSA).