Mayor Matteo Lepore Files Police Complaint on Fake Hate Campaign in Bologna

Mayor Matteo Lepore of Bologna said he is being targeted by thousands of fake social‑media accounts, many generated with artificial‑intelligence tools, that spread false information and hateful messages after the death of Abderrahim Fakir. He told La7 that the coordinated online attack threatens democratic debate and could influence upcoming elections, and he will file a formal complaint with the Polizia Postale. Lepore also criticised the lack of clear regulations to punish the creators of such accounts and called on the government and parliament to address the issue, noting that he has already received police protection.

The mayor highlighted that some of the false narratives claim the Carabinieri refused to provide him a security detail, among other fabricated stories, and warned that the digital storm could “pollute the political discussion” if left unchecked.