The Italian Supreme Court annulled the extradition of former Brazilian federal deputy Carla Zambelli and ordered her immediate release from prison on May 22, 2026 [1].
The decision marks a significant legal victory for Zambelli, who has been detained in Italy since mid-2025. Her release disrupts the efforts of Brazilian authorities to return her to Brazil to face legal proceedings.
Zambelli had been held since July 29, 2025 [2]. She was detained at a women’s prison located on the outskirts of Rome [2]. The legal battle centered on whether the request for her extradition met the necessary legal standards required by the Italian judiciary.
In its ruling on May 22, 2026 [1], the court said that the prior order authorizing her extradition contained legal deficiencies [1]. Because of these errors, the court revoked the order and mandated her release from custody [1].
The former deputy's legal situation had remained precarious throughout her detention. The annulment of the extradition order effectively removes the primary legal mechanism Brazil was using to secure her return.
While some reports initially suggested the extradition had been authorized, the Supreme Court's final ruling on May 22, 2026 [1], overrides those previous determinations by citing specific legal failures in the process [1].
“The Italian Supreme Court annulled the decision authorising her extradition to Brazil”
The revocation of the extradition order creates a significant diplomatic and legal hurdle for Brazil. Because the Italian Supreme Court cited legal deficiencies rather than a lack of evidence, Brazilian prosecutors may need to restructure their request entirely to satisfy Italian law, during which time Zambelli remains free in Europe.
