Italy

Italian authorities on alert after Christchurch attacks

cde.news desk 16 March 2019, 06:15 · 1 min read

epa06355110 Carabinieri police conduct extraordinary checks and searches in Ostia, Rome district, Italy, 28 November 2017. State, Carabinieri and finance police in Ostia on Tuesday amid fears that a clan war may be developing in the Rome seaside district, sources said. The operations were designed to find arms and drugs, sources said. EPA-EFE/MASSIMO PERCOSSI

Italian authorities have warned that there is a risk that the terror attack in New Zealand that killed at least 49 people may spur copycat attacks or reprisals in Italy.

The warning was made in a circular by the department of public safety sent to all police stations and prefectures.

It said the utmost attention should be paid particularly at places of worship and the maximum information gathered.

All possible probes should be opened to gather information on possible planning of crimes, it said.

Reacting to the attacks in New Zealand, Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini said that “the only extremism that merits attention is the Islamic kind”, in response to a question about whether the domestic terrorist attack in New Zealand that took place Friday is something to be concerned about in Italy as well.

The shooter put the names of a number of extremists on his guns including Italian neo-fascist Luca Traini, who opened fire on people of African origin in the town of Macerata in February 2018.

Via ANSA

Filed under Italy Terrorism

Topics christchurch Italy Salvini Security Terrorism

Italian authorities on alert after Christchurch attacks

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