Rome, August 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A 22-year-old French Jewish tourist was allegedly assaulted twice in central Rome because he was wearing a kippah, with Italian authorities investigating the incidents as possible acts of racial, ethnic and religious discrimination.
Italy’s Carabinieri, the national military police force, said a 31-year-old Algerian national, who is homeless and has previous convictions in Rome, is strongly suspected of involvement in the attacks. Investigators are also working to identify other people allegedly involved.
According to the tourist’s complaint, the first incident occurred on August 7 at around 8 p.m. in Piazza Cairoli. He alleged that the suspect sprayed an irritating substance in his face.
The following evening, at around 8:15 p.m., the tourist said he was attacked again in Largo di Torre Argentina. He was allegedly kicked by a group of four people, among whom he recognised the same 31-year-old suspect.
The complainant said that on both occasions the attackers shouted “Free Palestine”. The Carabinieri are continuing investigations to establish the identities of the other members of the group.
The Algerian national is suspected of involvement in two separate assault incidents as well as alleged propaganda and incitement to commit crimes motivated by racial, ethnic or religious discrimination, Italian news agency Adnkronos reported.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani strongly condemned the incident and expressed solidarity with the victim and Italy’s Jewish community.
“I strongly condemn the antisemitic aggression against a young French tourist of the Jewish faith, targeted in the centre of Rome simply because he was wearing a kippah,” Tajani said in a post on X.
He said Italy could not accept antisemitism or hatred against Jews gaining a foothold in its cities and society, stressing the need for a united response and respect for religious freedom and coexistence.
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