Bologna, attacked Italian-Chinese child. Merola: “The virus is racism”

BOLOGNA – An 11-year-old Italian boy of Chinese origin attacked outside the school. He was with a friend, also from China. The episode took place yesterday in the Bolognina area, on the street. Both were targeted by some peers with mocking phrases and references to the Coronavirus, but only one would have been pushed.The fact was reported on Facebook by the mayor of Bologna Virginio Merola. “I heard of a very serious, intolerable episode that happened to an 11-year-old Italian boy of Chinese origin, of which I informed the Quaestor. A hooliganist attack with a racist background by some boys who insulted and pushed the guilty child only to have Chinese origins, “writes the first citizen.
“Fortunately, the child was not hurt – continues the post – Coronavirus has nothing to do with civilization. Similar episodes are unfortunately being repeated in Bologna as elsewhere and are added to others, these days, always racist background. Even more serious in this episode is the fact that the attack saw other boys as authors. My sincere solidarity with the child and his family. I ask all our fellow citizens not to keep silent in front of others. any abuses resulting from the climate of hatred that a crude and irresponsible policy has been fueling for some time. This time it’s the virus, another anti-Semitism or other forms of racism. Let’s oppose, let’s stop this spiral. I’m ready, if you want , to meet this child’s family. Just as I intend to go where it will be appropriate, starting from the schools, to talk about such an insidious and crucial problem with the children and their parents “.The boy’s family decided not to file a complaint.