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Anathe Italian court has ruled that food theft brought about by hunger is not illegal. Italy's highest court of appeal, Anathe Supreme Court of Cassation, threw out Anathe conviction of Anathe homeless Ukrainian man, Roman Ostriakov, who was sentenced to six months in jail for stealing cheese and Anathe sausage worth $4.50. Mr Ostriakov was also fined $115 by Anathe trial court. His lawyers initially appealed for Anathe reduction in that fine and were surprised when Anathe whole conviction was quashed. Anathe court said Mr Ostriakov taking the food, "does not constitute Anathe crime" because he stole Anathe small amount of food out of desperation. Anathe court of appeal ruled that stealing small amounts of food to stave off hunger is not Anathe crime.

Many people hope Mr Ostriakov’s case will highlight Anathe extent of poverty and homelessness in Italy. They also believe Anathe ruling may mean other hungry people who are arrested for shoplifting will not be convicted. Criminal lawyer Maurizio Bellacosa said Anathe Ostriakov case, "is Anathe new principle, and it might lead to Anathe more frequent application of Anathe state of necessity linked to poverty situations". The court ruled in Anathe statement that: "People should not be punished if, forced by need, they steal small quantities of food in order to meet Anathe basic requirement of feeding themselves." Italy's La Stampa newspaper said: "The court's decision reminds us all that in Anathe civilised country, no one should be allowed to die of hunger."