Fascist Salute Caught on Camera in Rome Sparks Controversy - With No Response from Italy's Prime Minister
A shocking video of over 150 men dressed in black, performing fascist salutes in the heart of Rome, has sparked outrage worldwide Surprisingly, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni seems unaffected by the incident
A video showing over 150 men in black clothing raising their right arms in a fascist salute in central Rome has attracted attention, except in the office of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The incident, which is now being investigated by Rome's special anti-fascism police unit, occurred on the evening of January 7th to commemorate the 46th anniversary of the Acca Larentia massacre, where three young neo-fascist militants from the Italian Social Movement (MSI) were killed on the street of the same name.
The murders of Franco Bigonzetti and Francesco Ciavatta, suspected to have been carried out by left-wing activists, took place on the street in front of the MSI party headquarters. Stefano Recchioni was also killed during riots in response to the initial murders, by a police officer. To this day, no one has been charged for these 1978 murders.
Onlookers' videos captured the men saluting and shouting "present" three times while raising their right arms. One of them then yelled a common neo-fascist battle cry: "For all fallen comrades."
Every January 7, a memorial service is held to honor the deaths of the young men, with police ensuring security under both left and right-wing administrations. Members from all ends of the political spectrum attend the service and lay wreaths on a monument dedicated to them. The MSI party emerged from the remnants of Benito Mussolini's National Fascist Party, following its dismantlement at the end of World War II when the dictator was overthrown and killed.
The party that initially introduced Meloni to politics was the MSI, which she later transformed into her own party called Brothers of Italy. This party was successful in the snap elections of 2022. Meloni has participated in the commemoration on the Via Acca Larentia numerous times in the past, as seen on her social media, but never before as prime minister.
On April 27, 2023, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at 10 Downing Street in London, England. This marked Meloni's first visit to the UK since her election last October. The far-right Prime Minister aims to strengthen ties between the UK and Italy and address common concerns over migrant boats. (Photo by Alberto Pezzali - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
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Multiple members of Meloni's party, such as Francesco Rocca, the leader of the Lazio region, where Rome is situated, and Rome's cultural attaché Miguel Gotor, who is associated with the opposition Democratic Party, were present last weekend. Gotor and Rocca placed a wreath at a monument honoring the fallen activists but departed before the fascist salute took place, according to their offices. The opposition in Italy, including Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein, has urged Meloni to prohibit neo-fascist groups.
Although the Italian constitution prohibits fascist ideology, monuments commemorating Italy's fascist history still exist throughout the country, such as an obelisk honoring Mussolini in front of Rome's Olympic Stadium. The legal landscape in Italy is complex, with ambiguous laws that do not explicitly outlaw neo-fascist groups, though being apologetic to old-style fascism is considered a crime. These groups often avoid overtly fascist ideology in their constitutions in order to operate within the law.
Fascist memorabilia and gestures, such as the fascist salute, are not currently illegal, but critics argue that this should be addressed. "This is Rome, 7 January 2024. It seems like 1924," Schlein posted on social media alongside a photo of the salute. "What happened is unacceptable. Neo-fascist groups must be disbanded."
Noemi Di Segna, president of the Union of Italian Jewish Communities, is urging the government to denounce the salute and tighten laws, referring to such acts as "dangerous nostalgia."
"We have been advocating for stronger regulations on nostalgia for neo-fascism for a considerable amount of time," she stated.
Meloni's deputy and foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, who is now the head of the Forza Italia party after the death of Silvio Berlusconi, also condemned the episode. He emphasized that his party was anti-fascist and stated that no party should celebrate dictatorships.
On the other hand, Meloni was not present at the commemoration on Sunday night. She has only responded to the backlash and calls to ban neo-fascist groups by labeling them as "attacks" on her government.
She wrote on Facebook, "This administration will address the unfounded attacks and divisive controversies from certain opposition parties with evidence and achievements." A representative for Meloni mentioned that the prime minister probably won't give additional comments.
A local resident who lives on the street where the commemoration took place told CNN that the event occurs annually, and includes the presence of individuals making fascist salutes.
"Each year, they honor the victims with a ceremony and place flowers on the monument. And every year, once the important guests have departed, some individuals perform the salute," Maria Calderone shared with CNN. "What's alarming is that this has been happening for 46 years, and is only now receiving attention."
Italian journalist Paolo Berizzi, living under police protection for his coverage of neo-fascism, obtained a damning video and revealed to CNN that fascism remains popular in Italy because it never truly disappeared. "Fascism is not a creation of the Meloni government," he explained. "In Italy, fascism was never eradicated. It was defeated militarily, but its cultural influence persisted... It lingers within the fabric of the country, resurfacing during times of vulnerability."
This is different from other countries such as Germany, where there is zero tolerance for other forms of fascism. Berizzi stated, "At this moment, neo-fascist groups feel emboldened by Meloni's silence, her ambiguity. Meloni is unable to sever ties with her past. In some ways, she is held captive by her past."
Giorgia Meloni, leader of the far-right party Fratelli d'Italia, was seen campaigning in September 2022. It is worth noting that other populist leaders in Europe are also achieving electoral success. (Image credits: Nicolò Campo/LightRocket/Getty Images)
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The main prosecutor in Rome has initiated an investigation into the event to ascertain whether the fascist salute violated the "apology for fascism" law.
Italy's General Investigations and Special Operations Division (DIGOS) has identified 150 male participants, including nine known right-wing militants with prior fascism-related criminal charges, according to an agency spokesperson.
During her first year in power, Meloni demonstrated her departure from her neo-fascist upbringing by becoming one of the most moderate leaders in Europe. She has been acclaimed for her leadership on topics such as Ukraine and migration. However, her silence on the current domestic issue plaguing the country may alter perceptions of her.
The European Parliament in Strasbourg is set to debate the resurgence of neo-fascism in Europe on Tuesday. Ewan MacPhee, spokesperson for the Social Democrats in the European Parliament, expressed concern about the prime minister's silence and emphasized the importance of condemning the events of January 7. He stated that the debate is necessary and highlighted the need for Parliament to take action when the prime minister appears unable to do so.
