Retired Italian Air Force colonel fined for Nazi uniform post

Giovanni Fuochi, a retired Italian Air Force colonel, has accepted a plea bargain resulting in a 2,500 euro fine. The legal proceedings followed a social media post from July 2024 in which Fuochi appeared wearing a Nazi Gestapo uniform featuring a swastika armband.

In addition to charges of propaganda and incitement to discrimination based on racial, ethnic, or religious grounds, the investigation addressed the illegal possession of ammunition and administrative irregularities regarding his official officer's saber, which was subsequently seized. During a search of his residence, police recovered the Nazi uniform, a replica Luger L8 pistol, various historical memorabilia including a Mussolini calendar and a flag from the Italian Social Republic, as well as a British RAF uniform.

Fuochi, who previously commanded the San Damiano military airport detachment, defended his actions by stating he is a collector of military memorabilia and intended the post to “wake people up.” His lawyer, Ugo Carminati, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting that the most serious allegations reported in the press were not included in the final judicial acts.