Hundreds of far-right activists gathered in Rome have sparked controversy with their open display of fascist salutes during a commemoration ceremony for the Acca Larentia killings, which dates back to the late 1970s. The event, held on Sunday near the former headquarters of the neo-fascist Italian Social Movement (MSI), remembered the tragic deaths of three teenagers—Franco Bigonzetti, Francesco Ciavatta, and Stefano Recchioni—allegedly at the hands of far-left militants.
The memorial, which was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony attended by senior politicians earlier in the day, took a controversial turn as footage emerged of attendees raising their arms in a stiff-armed salute and chanting “present!” A Celtic cross, commonly recognized as a symbol of white supremacy, was also visible at the scene. This act, reminiscent of Italy’s fascist past, is raising concerns among opposition leaders and the broader public about the influence of neo-fascist sentiment in the country.
The Acca Larentia killings have a particular resonance with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s far-right Brothers of Italy party, many of whose members, including Meloni herself, have roots in the MSI. The party, which regards the incident as a significant part of its heritage, has faced criticism for not distancing itself enough from such displays of fascist nostalgia.
Elly Schlein, a leading figure from the centre-left Democratic Party, expressed her outrage on social media, drawing a parallel with Italy’s fascist era: “Rome, January 7, 2024. And it seems like 1924.” Schlein called for the dissolution of neo-fascist organizations as mandated by the Italian Constitution and questioned the government’s response to the incident. “Neofascist organisations must be dissolved, as stated by the constitution,” she affirmed. Her sentiments were echoed by Carlo Calenda, leader of the centrist Azione party, who described the salutes as “an unacceptable disgrace in a European democracy.”
Although Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani, of the Forza Italia party, condemned the salute, saying “Anyone who engaged in such behaviour must certainly be condemned by everyone,” there has been a notable silence from members of the Brothers of Italy, including Meloni, on the incident.
Opposition voices have been joined by journalists and community leaders who have called the public display an “unacceptable outrage.” Paolo Berizzi, a La Repubblica journalist known for reporting on the extreme right, found it astonishing that “this openly apologetic demonstration of fascism is allowed in Italy.”
Local and regional authorities permit the yearly commemoration, but the recent display of fascist salutes has raised questions about the appropriateness and legality of such events. While political figures associated with the Brothers of Italy maintain that the party is “lightyears away” from neo-fascist displays, the continuous use of MSI’s tricoloured flame in the party’s logo and the reluctance to condemn acts of fascist symbolism cast a shadow over these claims.
Relevant articles:
– Chilling Video Shows Hundreds of Far-Right Activists Giving Fascist Salute
– Meloni urged to ban neofascist groups after crowds filmed saluting in Rome
– Furore over Fascist salutes at Acca Larentia commemoration ceremony