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Sikh homeless man in Italy
attacked, set on fire
WSN Network
ROME: In a
brutal attack, a homeless Sikh man, Navtej Singh Sidhu, in Italy was
attacked and set on fire. President Giorgio Napolitano of Italy was
quick to condemn the attack saying it was an alarming symptom of a
widespread trend that is unfortunately growing.
“I appeal
strongly to those who have institutional, cultural and educational
responsibility to commit themselves fully to putting a stop to any
display of xenophobia, racism and violence,” he said.
Italy has seen a
rise in xenophobic violence against immigrant labor groups. The
attack at a time when Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian prime minister,
faces accusations of exploiting anti-Roma feeling for political
ends.
The dastardly
attack was perpetrated upon Sidhu by three assailants, including a
16-yearold.
Sidhu is still
in an Italian hospital, after having been severely beaten, sprayed
with metallic paint, sprinkled with petrol and set on fire as he lay
asleep on a bench in Nettuno station some 60 km from
Rome. Sidhu had
become homeless recently as he had lost his job as a construction
laborer four months ago and his residency permit had expired in his
wait for its renewal.
There are around
10,000 Sikhs in
Rome and
15-20,000 in the Province of Rome. Most are employed as labourers,
mainly in agriculture.
11
February 2009
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