Italy's Police Accused of Racism and Homophobia: A Divided Response from Leaders
The Council of Europe is facing criticism from Italian officials following a report that alleges the country’s police force engages in racist and homophobic behavior. Released on Monday, the report from the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) highlights numerous accounts of racial profiling, particularly affecting the Roma community and individuals of African descent. In discussions during a visit to Italy, ECRI's delegation gathered testimonies underscoring systemic issues within law enforcement regarding the targeting of certain ethnic groups.
According to the report, civil society organizations and international monitoring bodies corroborated instances of ethnic-based stop-and-account practices. Alarmingly, ECRI noted that Italian authorities seem largely unaware of the problem's severity, treating racial profiling as a potential form of institutional racism merely as an afterthought.
The report further pointed to a 2022 study revealing that 45.8% of immigrant respondents identified police stations as the public institutions where they faced the most discrimination. Common grievances included unjust rejections of asylum applications, destruction of personal documents, incidents of verbal abuse, and, in some harsh cases, violent encounters. The report criticized the police for verbal and physical abuse during operations in Roma camps and noted a troubling lack of accountability for any acts of racism or homophobia perpetrated by police and other law enforcement agents.
ECRI called on Italy to commission a thorough and independent study into the issue. However, Italian leaders have pushed back vehemently against the accusations. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, head of a far-right government that emphasizes law and order, defended the police force passionately. In a social media post, she asserted that Italy’s security forces are comprised of dedicated individuals who work tirelessly for the safety of all citizens, regardless of background. Meloni's sentiments were echoed by President Sergio Mattarella, who expressed his surprise at the claims and reaffirmed his support for law enforcement.
Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, instructed Italy's representative to the Council of Europe, Roberto Martini, to communicate the government's profound disapproval of the report’s assertions. Tajani firmly rejected the accusation of racism within the ranks of the police, emphasizing the need to respect those who serve the country.
Matteo Salvini, another Deputy Prime Minister, criticized the ECRI's assertions as a smear against the police, referring to the organization as 'useless.'
Yet the ECRI’s report did not stop at police conduct; it also painted a dire picture of Italy’s broader societal issues. It remarked upon the escalating xenophobia in public discourse, particularly targeting refugees, migrants, and the LGBTI community. The report indicated that political rhetoric has grown more divisive, with harmful statements proliferating from prominent politicians during election cycles. While specific names were not mentioned, it did refer to an incident involving a Florence councillor who shared a derogatory video of a Roma woman alongside an overtly threatening call to action for voters. Furthermore, it mentioned a book by an army general containing homophobic and racist comments, spotlighting growing intolerance even within the military ranks.
The publication of the ECRI’s findings brings to the forefront significant questions regarding Italy’s treatment of its vulnerable communities and the attitudes within its law enforcement agencies. As Italian leaders seek to defend the police against these accusations, the ongoing debate highlights the deep divides within the country concerning race, migration, and the fundamental values of human rights.
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