Rape case rocks Italy: 'The only solution is chemical castration'

12PUNTO FOREIGN NEWS

Following the emergence of a rape scandal that occurred in August, intense debates are taking place in Italy over immigration policies.

Seven attackers, two of whom are under the age of 18, raped a 13-year-old girl in the Catania region of Sicily.

While police reports allege that the attackers also beat the young girl's boyfriend, who is the same age, and forced him to watch the incident, Prime Minister Meloni and members of the government have reacted to the event.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER SAYS "LET'S STERILIZE THEM"

Giorgia Meloni, who came to power by advocating anti-immigrant policies in Italy, found herself in a difficult position after the incident became public. Matteo Salvini, the leader of the government coalition partner LEGA and Deputy Prime Minister, reacted to the incident by saying, "There is no mercy for such events; the only solution is chemical castration."

Meloni, who rose to power by highlighting far-right policies, has been frequently criticized for failing to produce clear solutions to the country's immigration problem so far.

Following the case's emergence in the public eye, Meloni began to be questioned not only by the opposition but also by the voters who support her.

The Italian Prime Minister, who came to power in 2022 by advocating anti-immigrant policies, has failed to solve the immigration problem in the country since the day she took office. While there has been no decrease in the number of immigrants entering the country, according to CNN, there is an increase in rape and similar crimes that cause public outrage.

MELONI: JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED

In his statement, Salvini said that migrants involved in rape crimes would not be allowed to remain in the country. Meloni, who visited the rape victim, said, "The state will be there, and the state will guarantee that justice is served."

Alessandro Fidone, the lawyer for the suspects reached by CNN, said that the suspects were granted the right to a 'fast-track trial,' which means they will remain in prison until the case is concluded. Fidone also added that the prosecutor in the case would bring charges related to illegal immigration.

Violence against women is one of the major problems Italy is struggling with. Last November, a bill was approved in the Italian parliament to increase penalties and strengthen protective measures against those who commit gender-based violent crimes.

AN ENDLESS PROBLEM: VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Elena Biaggioni, vice president of the DİRE association, which coordinates associations working against gender-based violence, spoke at a protest held after a pregnant woman was stabbed to death by her partner last June, saying, "Violence against women is a phenomenon that exists in more or less all countries, stemming from inequalities and prejudices between men and women. But of course, in places like Italy where sexism and macho culture are widespread, this violence is further legitimized."

Cases of violence against women in Italy are being debated based on both the immigration issue and the male-dominated culture in the country.