Number of hate speech incidents motivated by racism in Italy 2008-2020

In Italy, the episodes of public hate speech and incitement to hatred motivated by racism have been increasing in the last years. In the first three months of 2020, eight cases were recorded, while in the previous year, there were 45 episodes. Hate speech describes every kind of writing, talking, or behavior which encourage violence towards a person or group on the basis of their identity or characteristics, such as race, religion, or sexual orientation. The data only report the cases collected by source. Thus, the actual cases of racial hate speech and incitement to hatred might be much higher.

Hate speech as political propaganda

Hate speech and incitement to ethnic or racial hatred represent a major issue in Italy. In politics, for instance, this phenomenon is quite widespread. One of the largest political parties in the country, Lega, has been making a significant number of statements based on xenophobia and incitement to hatred. Its secretary, Matteo Salvini, has been focusing a part of its campaign on anti-migration positions, cultivating feelings of hate in the country. During his two years as Minister of the Interior, he declared, among others, that Italian ports were closed to ships carrying rescued migrants.

Against all forms of racial hate

In October 2020, an Extraordinary Commission was founded in Italy to combat racism, anti-Semitism, incitement to hatred, violence, and all forms of racial hate. The decision passed in the Parliament with 151 votes in favor, 98 abstainers, and no vote against. The right-wing parties Lega, Forza Italia, and Fratelli d'Italia decided to abstain. The Commission was proposed by the Senator Liliana Segre, a Holocaust survivor. Indeed, the commission is also called "Segre Commission".