The tragedy that shocked Italy brought almost 10,000 people to the streets in the city of Massa, where locals lit candles in memory of Giacomo Bongiorni, the 47-year-old man killed in a fight by a group of young Romanians, right in front of his 11-year-old son.
According to the authorities, the incident occurred after the man allegedly tried to stop the young people from destroying the shop window. The group was known in the area for aggressive behavior and late-night riots. Following the violent assault, Giacomo Bongiorni died, under the horrified gaze of his child.
“My mother called me and said that, unfortunately, Giacomo is dead. They killed him in a fight,” said Matteo Bruzzi, a relative of the victim.
The crime amplified the tensions between the Italians and the Romanian community in the area. Many Romanians say they feel hostility, including in the online environment, and fear the escalation of conflicts.
“I felt the fear, the concerns, since Sunday evening. To all Romanians, that I am in constant contact. I knew this climate of mistrust, almost 25 years ago. At this moment we are a little desperate. We are a little… saddened by the fact that… for sure, steps back will be taken”, said Robert Deleanu, local councilor from Massa.
In this case, three young Romanians were arrested, one of them being a minor, according to the Italian authorities. The investigation is ongoing.
According to information from the investigation, there are other minors under investigation for the same act, but the details are confidential for now.
