Vladimiro Zagrebelsky, the esteemed jurist and former judge at the European Court of Human Rights, has passed away at 85. The elder brother of Gustavo Zagrebelsky died late yesterday afternoon at his holiday home in Gressoney-La-Trinité, Aosta Valley, following a sudden illness.
The Mayor of Gressoney-La-Trinité, Alessandro Girod, expressed profound sorrow: “The municipal administration deeply joins the family in mourning. We are heartbroken by this loss.”
In an official statement, the town administration highlighted Zagrebelsky’s enduring connection to the community: “We remember him with respect and affection, grateful for the bond he forged with our town, which became his home. To many, he was an eminent jurist—a former European Court of Human Rights judge, a rigorous and independent intellectual. To us, he was first and foremost a gentle, respectful, and unassuming presence: a discreet yet familiar figure who built sincere ties with Gressoney through quiet gestures, cherished places, and genuine relationships.”
The tribute further noted his frequent presence locally: “Residents often encountered him—walking with slow yet purposeful steps, engaging in thoughtful conversations, and demonstrating a rare ability to listen and share measured, profound reflections.” The former judge “never sought visibility, yet his humility made his impact all the more significant—a man who ceaselessly pondered life’s meaning and institutional values, yet found here a more human, essential dimension.”
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