Former Italian lawmaker Alessandro Di Battista touched down in Rome this Saturday following a two-week hospitalization in Cuba. He underwent urgent neurosurgery after suffering a stroke while working on a report on the island.
The Corriere della Sera reported that the air ambulance departed from Havana on Friday, September 11, at 5:00 PM Italian time, arriving at Ciampino Airport in Rome at approximately 7:30 AM. From there, Di Battista was taken by ambulance to the Gemelli Polyclinic to continue his recovery.
His return trip required special arrangements: the flight was conducted at low altitude with stops in Nassau and Luxembourg, taking around 12 hours to accommodate his medical condition.
Unexpected Medical Emergency
Widely known as "Dibba," the 48-year-old Di Battista was in Cuba to write a piece for Il Fatto Quotidiano when he suffered a severe headache and lost consciousness on August 28. He was initially treated at a hospital in Santa Clara, then transferred to Havana's Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital, a leading Cuban facility specializing in neurosurgery.
During his hospitalization, Di Battista's partner, Sahra Lahouasnia, and two specialists from Gemelli—one a neurosurgeon and the other an anesthesiologist—traveled from Italy to assist with his care.
A first attempt to transfer him via air ambulance, funded by his private travel insurance, was scheduled for September 4. Di Battista had shared on Instagram, "I feel better today. I'll leave Cuba on September 4 with an air ambulance paid for by the insurance policy I took out before leaving."
Complications and Recovery
However, his condition worsened early that morning, prompting Cuban doctors to perform immediate surgery in Havana instead of proceeding with the transfer. The procedure was successful, and the association Schierarsi, founded by Di Battista, stated that he is "handling the post-surgery phase in the best possible way." Medical sources later confirmed he was able to speak and was showing "excellent progress."
The incident sparked political debate in Italy over the use of state-funded flights for citizens abroad. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani defended the practice, stating, "We have never left an Italian alone," adding that 57 medical flights for Italians overseas were conducted in 2026.
Di Battista served as a deputy for the Five Star Movement from 2013 until 2018, leaving the party in February 2021 due to disagreements over its support for Mario Draghi's government. Since then, he has focused on journalism and activism.
From Cuba, Di Battista had sent a message at the start of his hospital stay expressing his resolve: "I will do everything in my power to return soon."
Alessandro Di Battista's Medical Ordeal in Cuba
What caused Alessandro Di Battista's hospitalization in Cuba?
Alessandro Di Battista was hospitalized in Cuba after suffering a stroke while he was working on a report. He underwent emergency neurosurgery in Havana.
How was Di Battista's return to Italy managed?
His return to Italy was arranged via an air ambulance that flew at low altitude and made stops in Nassau and Luxembourg to accommodate his medical needs.
What political debate did Di Battista's case ignite in Italy?
The case sparked a debate over the use of state-funded flights for Italian citizens abroad, with the Foreign Minister defending the practice as part of Italy's commitment to its nationals.