Political violence ais increasing in Italy in the final weeks before the country votes in national elections, with skirmishes between fascists and leftwing activists, and racially motivated attacks on migrants reported. The incidents, including an attack on one of the leaders of the far-right group Forza Nuova in Palermo on Wednesday morning, are reminiscent of a far more violent era in Italy – the so-called Years of Lead that began in the late 1960s when the country suffered a wave of domestic terrorism by forces on the extreme left and right.
Orlando said the attack, which occurred as Forza Nuova’s national head was preparing a visit to Palermo this weekend, was a sign of the “shameful and disgraceful” state of politics in Italy. He also condemned the violence perpetrated by extreme right groups, but said: “We can’t beat fascism with violence. We can’t beat fascism with fascist behaviour.’’
The leftwing attackers – who wore balaclavas, filmed their attack and sent it to media outlets – defended the violence. In a statement, they accused men such as Ursino of spreading hate and racism across Italy.
Full Article: Italy election: violence and harassment rise in echo of 1970s unrest | World news | The Guardian.