Two Turkish citizens arrested in Italy on suspicion of planning an attack at a festival

Police in Italy arrested two Turkish citizens yesterday on suspicion of planning an attack at the Macchina di Santa Rosa religious festival held in the city of Viterbo. The owner of a guesthouse on the street where the festival was to be celebrated in Viterbo, located 70 kilometers from the Italian capital Rome, became suspicious of his Turkish guests and reported them to the police. Following the tip-off, security forces arrived at the address before the festival and apprehended two of the three suspects staying at the guesthouse. During the raid, police also seized one machine gun, two pistols, and ammunition.

Authorities stated that the suspects were referred to the prosecutor's office for questioning but refused to answer questions during the interrogation. In their statement, officials noted that investigations are ongoing, one suspect remains at large, and cross-checks are being conducted with Turkish authorities.

Following the incident, police implemented additional security measures in the area, deploying snipers to rooftops and patrolling the streets with bomb-sniffing dogs. After the intervention by security forces, the festival, attended by approximately 40,000 people including Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani, Italian Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli, and various other officials, was held without incident. However, the decision to keep the lights on due to security concerns during a festival that is traditionally celebrated in the dark drew criticism from participants.

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM MELONI

In a statement on her social media account, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni congratulated Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and the security forces, saying, "I congratulate the security forces and Interior Minister Piantedosi for their swift intervention that led to the arrest of two armed Turkish citizens in Viterbo. This decisive operation, which took place just hours before the Santa Rosa festival, ensured the safe celebration of a centuries-old tradition that is unique in the world, recognized by UNESCO as part of the 'Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity,' and holds deep emotional significance for the people of Viterbo and many Italians."