A judge in Italy has sentenced a 23-year-old man to life in prison for the stabbing murder of his former girlfriend, a heinous act of femicide that has put violence against women in the spotlight in this country.

A 23-year-old Italian man has been sentenced to life in prison after admitting to stabbing his ex-girlfriend in a closely watched case that sparked public outcry.

Giulia Cecchettin's murder is one of a string of femicides that have made headlines in Italy in recent years, but it struck a nerve, pushing the issue to the forefront of public discourse.