(see related story on Osakue)
Interior Minister Matteo Salvini
dismissed as "nonsense" opposition assertions that Italy is in
the midst of a racism emergency following a series of allegedly
xenophobic attacks.
"Let's not talk nonsense," Salvini said when asked about the
alarm sounded by the opposition, centre-left Democratic Party
(PD).
"I point out that over the last three days alone the police
have arrested 95 migrants while 414 others were reported to
prosecutors.
"The mass immigration permitted by the Left in recent years
has not helped, which is why I'm working to stop human
traffickers and illegal immigrants".
He added that he condemned the attack on Italian athlete of
colour Daisy Osakue overnight.
"I hope to meet her and see her compete as soon as possible,"
said Salvini, who is also deputy premier and leader of the
rightwing League party.
"Every attack should be punished and condemned.
"I'll always be at the side of those who suffer violence".
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