Moldovan rapper 351 Bratan expelled from Italy after highway blockade

Italian authorities have expelled Nicolae Novacenco, a Moldovan rapper known as 351 Bratan, following an incident where he blocked the Milano-Meda highway to film a music video. The incident occurred on September 18, when Novacenco and a group of approximately 30 motorcyclists halted traffic during rush hour to capture footage for a new song.

Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi announced the revocation of Novacenco’s residence permit, citing “social dangerousness” and the threat posed to public safety. Investigators identified the artist through social media analysis of the footage posted online. The decision follows a ruling by a Milan justice of the peace, which also took into account Novacenco’s prior convictions for illegal possession of a telescopic baton and minor drug offenses.

Novacenco’s lawyer, Matteo Politano, has contested the expulsion, describing the act as a mere “stunt” and arguing that the legal response is disproportionate. The defense plans to appeal to the Regional Administrative Court (TAR), claiming the incident was exaggerated and that the authorities may have had political motivations for the rapid deportation.