An 18-year-old Italian student, Claudia Chessa, leapt from a hotel balcony in Malta to escape an alleged violent assault by her boyfriend, Alessio Lupo, 27. The incident occurred after a heated argument in their hotel room in Paceville, a nightlife hub.

Claudia, who had been studying English in Malta, sustained serious spinal injuries but survived, thanks to a canopy that broke her fall.

Her father claims she was fleeing a brutal attack involving punches, kicks, and threats.

Maltese police are investigating the case as domestic violence, while Lupo has returned to Italy after being briefly detained and fined for drug use.

Claudia remains hospitalized, awaiting surgery, as questions linger about the events leading to her fall.