Council of Europe Criticized by Italian Leaders Over Allegations

Rome: The Council of Europe has faced severe criticism from Italian political leaders following a recent panel request to investigate alleged racial profiling by Italian police. Deputy Premier, Transport Minister, and leader of the right-wing League party, Matteo Salvini, expressed his disdain on Thursday, labeling the Council as a “useless body” that produces “bullshit.”

According to Ansa News Agency, Salvini’s remarks came on the heels of a Council of Europe panel’s request for Italy to examine accusations of racial profiling by its police force. Speaking at the Coast Guard assembly, Salvini condemned the Council, suggesting that its actions are a waste of resources for Italian and European citizens. He further emphasized that the accusations against the Italian police were baseless.

Additionally, other prominent Italian leaders echoed Salvini’s sentiments. Premier and right-wing Brothers of Italy (FdI) leader Giorgia Meloni described the Council’s charges as “simply shameful.” In alignment with Meloni, Deputy Premier, Foreign Minister, and leader of the centre-right post Berlusconi Forza Italia party (FI), Antonio Tajani, dismissed the allegations as “obscure and false.” Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi also weighed in, deeming the accusations “unacceptable.”

The strong reactions underscore a unified defense of the Italian police by the nation’s leadership against international scrutiny led by the Council of Europe.