CIVIC LANE Italy has seen political controversy after a man accused of sexually abusing a 13-year-old was released shortly after his arrest. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticised the decision and the Justice Ministry sent inspectors. The suspect remains accused rather than convicted and retains the presumption of innocence. The case nevertheless highlights the difficult balance between protecting the public and protecting defendants' legal rights before trial. The strongest public-policy question therefore concerns safeguards rather than speculation about guilt.