Franco Gabrielli criticizes ‘maranza’ label following Bologna hate crime

Former Police Chief Franco Gabrielli has criticized the use of the term ‘maranza’ to describe youth, calling it an insult and labeling recent government decrees targeting the group as “political degeneration” driven by polls and public sentiment. Speaking at the ‘Nati e cresciuti in Italia’ event, Gabrielli argued that while Italy has seen historical periods of insecurity, current homicide rates are among the lowest in Europe, suggesting that the prevailing sense of fear is fueled by a “market of fear” regarding migration.

These comments follow a violent homophobic attack in central Bologna, where a gay couple was reportedly assaulted by a group of young people of African origin. The victims were targeted after holding hands, resulting in injuries that required emergency room treatment. In response, Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore and Vice Mayor Emily Clancy condemned the incident as an unacceptable attempt at intimidation, announcing that the municipality will join legal proceedings as a civil party to address the hate-motivated crime.