Rome
It’s not racist to call someone a “dirty negro,” Italy’s highest court ruled this week. A group of Italian men were on trial for “spreading racism,” a crime in Italy, for insulting several women from Colombia whom they went on to assault. “Dirty negroes. What are these negroes doing here?” one of the men said before they attacked the women. The court said that simply expressing “generic dislike, intolerance, or rejection based on race” did not amount to racism unless it was motivated by “real hatred.” Virtually every politician in Italy condemned the ruling. “A subtle poison has seeped into our jurisprudence,” said Luigi Bobbio of the conservative National Alliance Party.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
The struggles of Aston MartinIn the Spotlight The car manufacturer, famous for its association with the James Bond franchise, is ‘running out of road’
-
The end of ‘golden ticket’ asylum rightsThe Explainer Refugees lose automatic right to bring family over and must ‘earn’ indefinite right to remain
-
Grecotel Luxme Dama Dama: Greek luxury with a breezy beach vibeThe Week Recommends Rhodes is reimagined in this refined and relaxed resort
