30-04-2025
Thousands of extreme-right Italian neo-fascists hold torch-lit rally in honour of youth wing member murdered by far-left militants 50 years ago
Thousands of neo-fascists rallied in Italy last night to honour the death of a member of the extreme right group from 50 years ago.
'Roman salutes' were performed alongside banners saying 'honour to the fallen comrades' as more than 2,000 people gathered to mark the anniversary of Sergio Ramelli's murder in Milan, local media reported.
The 18-year-old member of the youth wing - Fronte della gioventù - was attacked outside his home with a wrench by members of the far-left group, Avanguardia Operaia, in 1975. He died 47 days later.
Echoes of Bella Ciao could be heard through the procession in via Paladini as Milanese locals sang the anti-fascist resistance song from apartment windows.
Crowds the gathered in front of the Italian flag and a wreath of red flowers was carried at the beginning of the march while police watched alongside.
The Italian Social Movement (MSI) ended their procession with a 'Roman Salute' - also known as the 'Fascist salute - towards Ramelli's mural.
The gesture involving an extended right arm with a downward-facing palm is said to have originated in ancient Rome but is now often associated with 20th century fascism.
At 10pm sharp, Ramelli's name is chanted three times, with 'present' chanted back three times in response.
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni posted a long message remembering the anniversary of Ramelli's death, explaining why her government decided to release stamp dedicated to the young activist.
She said: 'A month and a half ago my government decided to dedicate a stamp to the memory of Sergio Ramelli, for us a gesture that is much more than symbolic: it means affirming that his story and his death are a piece of Italian history that everyone on the right and left must deal with.
'Today that memory is starting to be shared more, in an attempt to heal a deep wound that must unite all the innocent victims of hatred and political violence.'
A plaque for Ramelli was also revealed last month at his old school in Milan, despite protests from left-wing students.
Milan's Mayor, Giuseppe Sala, suggested that a street be named for every young victim of a terrorist attack and welcomed the approval of the Senate president, Ignazio La Russa.
'I think it would be a good thing to name a square or a street after the young people of Milan who were victims of the brutal terrorism of those years,' he was reported to have said in Sky TG24.
He added that this 'is not the time to increase tensions, but to lower the tone and only remember that period'.
La Russa, who attended the demonstration, said 'the individual stories are different, but if a square wants to bring together young people who lost their lives in a tragic moment in our history, I am in favour'.
He continued to say that the most important thing 'is that there is no more violence. The intent is to offer all Italians a sign of harmony, peace and pacification and above all love. Today we say no to any type of violence'.
