Migrants responsible for increased rape cases: Italian premier

​​​​​​​By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) - Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni argued that migrants are responsible for an increase in rape cases, according to media reports.

"Now I will be called racist, but there is a higher incidence, unfortunately, in cases of sexual violence, by immigrants, especially illegal ones,” she told a women’s magazine on Monday, according to the state-run ANSA news agency.

Meloni said criticism against her comes from the “degeneration of those who have nothing" because she pointed out the reality of the situation.​​​​​​​

Efficient policing of cities and addressing illegal migration are important to guarantee the security of women, added Meloni.