Italy has become the butt end of all jokes in Europe. Few take President Silvio Berlusconi seriously and instead, cringe with delight whenever he opens his mouth and speaks his mind. An article in the Italian daily, Corriere della Sera, even goes so far to claim conspiracy against Italians (by Beppe Severgnini – can’t find the link online but if you have the paper…). Italy’s public broadcaster, RAI, refuses to even discuss the scandals. RAI is of course owned by Berlusconi.
But such accusations are disingenuous and where those who reside outside the country can only nod their heads in disbelief, it is those who live in the Boot that have the most to worry. In July, a full scale ad was published in the International Herald Tribune denouncing the corruption of the Italian government and threat to democracy. Berlusconi and company are responsible for passing laws that infringe on human rights as well as endorsing citizen vigilantes to arm themselves and hunt down anyone suspected of being an “illegal” immigrant.
Earlier this month, the Italian Parliament finally pushed through a law that would criminalize any immigrant who doesn’t have the proper papers. In other words, anyone who is dark, comes from anywhere in Africa or Eastern Europe can pack their bags and get out. Or go to jail. Paradoxically, there are around 700,000 “illegal” immigrants who have full time jobs, are working, and are paying taxes on top. These individuals will have to pay 500 Euros for the visa which will boost Italy’s coffers by 350 million Euros.
Perhaps just as disconcerting is that these laws were the brainchild of the Northern League, a party that unabashedly banners itself on an anti-immigration platform. The party won the last two elections.
A week following the legislation, some of Italy’s greatest writers attacked the new law and compared it Mussolini’s Race Laws of 1938.
“The Berlusconi government, using security as a pretext, has imposed… laws the like of which we have not seen in this country since the passing of the Fascist Race Law.”
Father Giorgio, a Catholic priest living in the outskirts of Castel Volturno has decided to lock horns with the new anti-immigration law. Castel Volturno is a region that is run by the Casalesi clan, a shady mafia outfit who have so far turned a blind eye to Giorgio’s activities.
Everyday, immigrants whose visa have expired or who are seeking a visa come to Giorgia who in turn, issues a blue visa form…stamped, not with the emblem of the Minister of Interior, but with the name of God.
“We never refuse foreigners without papers,” he says. “A law that is contrary to human rights and the teachings of Christ, I refuse to accept. They can send me to jail!” (my translation)