70-year-old Moroccan man beaten in Rome in alleged racist attack

The attack took place on the night of September 25, on Via dei Licheni, in the Centocelle neighborhood. According to his account, published by La Repubblica, he was walking while talking on the phone when a man insulted him, accusing him of speaking too loudly.

On Bladi.net : Residents organize patrols against foreigners in Italy: two Moroccans assaulted

A second, younger man then allegedly approached him from behind. Karim says the man was carrying a baseball bat, which he put down before punching him several times. The insults were accompanied by shouts of “remigration” and orders to leave the country.

The 70-year-old says he briefly lost consciousness. After lying on the ground for several minutes, he was treated by emergency services and taken to the emergency department at Tor Vergata. Doctors found fractures to his nose and around his left eye.

Muslim community denounces racist attack

Ahmed Vall, president of the Islamic community of Rome, brought the case to public attention. He believes Karim was attacked because of his religion and nationality, and says he has received other reports of threats and assaults in the capital.

The case comes as Rome’s 5th district has just adopted a motion against Islamophobia, following a tense meeting.

In Italy, other attacks targeting Moroccans have recently been reported. In Rozzano, near Milan, two men were attacked during patrols organized by residents. Prosecutors are investigating that separate case as aggravated violence motivated by racial hatred.

In Centocelle, Karim is being assisted by lawyer Andrea Augenti. His account was also reported on October 3 by Roma Today.

In this latest account, the Moroccan man still appears shaken by the blow to his face. He says he has been afraid since the street attack.