Barboni case, gangs against squadrism: "Violence cannot be justified"

Stefano Bandecchi, mayor of Terni, has strongly condemned the recent violence involving Giuseppe Barboni, an entrepreneur and member of the political group Futuro Nazionale, who was filmed attacking an Iraqi citizen in San Benedetto del Tronto. The incident occurred after Barboni allegedly confronted the man over the improper parking of a bicycle. Bandecchi criticized the act of violence, stating that justifying such behavior indicates a serious breakdown in societal norms. During an interview on Radio Cusano's program "Battitori Liberi," Bandecchi expressed his concerns about the escalation of aggressive attitudes among certain individuals. He noted that he had known Barboni for some time and found it surprising that the individual would resort to such extreme measures. Bandecchi emphasized that there appears to be an increasing trend of excessive and arrogant behavior driven by wealth and power, which he believes can lead to dangerous consequences. The mayor highlighted the broader issue of returning to forms of organized violence reminiscent of historical "squadrismo," a term used to describe paramilitary groups active during Italy’s fascist period. He warned against the normalization of such actions, suggesting that many people might be unaware of the potential dangers associated with these behaviors. Bandecchi urged caution, emphasizing that allowing such conduct could lead to further incidents targeting minorities or other vulnerable groups. Bandecchi also addressed the manner in which the altercation began, criticizing Barboni for throwing away the bicycle instead of simply moving it to a more appropriate location. He pointed out that this action unnecessarily escalated the situation and turned it into a spectacle for others to record. The mayor suggested that a more measured approach would have been both respectful and effective in resolving the conflict. In discussing the profile of the Iraqi man involved, Bandecchi described him as someone who arrived in Italy legally, engaged in regular work, and showed no signs of criminal activity. The mayor recounted the man's account of having lived in a secular state for a long time and working as a carpenter, indicating a life dedicated to honest labor rather than illicit activities. Bandecchi expressed hope that Barboni would reflect on his actions and return to a path of positive contribution to society. Regarding immigration policies, Bandecchi made a clear distinction between irregular migrants and those living in Italy legally, working, and respecting local laws. He argued that the country must address its need for young workers while ensuring that migration occurs through proper channels. Bandecchi supported the idea of welcoming those with legitimate residency permits, contrasting them with those arriving through unauthorized means, such as boat crossings. His comments underscored a commitment to maintaining order and respect for legal processes within the framework of Italian law.