Italian minister faces backlash for linking sexual violence to illegal immigration

​​​​​​​By Baris Seckin

ROME (AA) - Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara is facing backlash Tuesday for claiming the rise in sexual violence in Italy is connected to “illegal immigration.”

The remarks, delivered via video message during the launch of a foundation established by Gino Cecchettin in memory of his daughter Giulia Cecchettin, 22, who was kidnapped and murdered by her Italian boyfriend last year, have sparked widespread controversy.

Valditara argued that patriarchy no longer exists in Italy. “We must not overlook the fact that the rise in incidents of sexual violence is somehow linked to forms of marginalization and perversion stemming from illegal immigration.”

His comments drew strong reactions, particularly from the Cecchettin family and members of the left-wing opposition.

Giulia’s sister, Elena Cecchettin, criticized Valditara on social media. “My father has done something extraordinary to prevent violence. What is the government doing? Giulia was killed by a respectable, white Italian man,” she said.

Marco Meloni, a senator from the main opposition Democratic Party (PD), condemned Valditara’s “immoral” remarks.

“He has abandoned all sense of decency, and I am ashamed on his behalf," he said.

Riccardo Magi, leader of the More Europe Party, also criticized the education minister.

“His remarks contradict every statistic. Data from the Ministry of the Interior clearly shows that more than 80% of femicides in Italy are committed by Italian citizens," he said. "Valditara should be ashamed. What he has done is nothing short of shameless racism, and he made these comments during the launch of a foundation dedicated to Giulia Cecchettin. “

Aurora Floridia, a senator from the Green-Left Alliance (AVS), emphasized that gender-based violence has no nationality.

“Minister Valditara is once again making irresponsible and baseless statements. Linking the rise in violence against women to illegal immigration and using migrants as scapegoats for propaganda is extremely serious,” she said.