A young Christian convert was beaten up for attending Holy Mass in Italy
A 28-year-old Tunisian man, who had converted to Christianity, was assaulted and robbed while walking with a friend in the Ponte San Giovanni district of Perugia on November 12, 2023. Allegedly attacked by some fellow Tunisians, he was accused of attending a Christian church.
On April 13, 2024, the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Perugia issued pre-trial detention orders against three Tunisian citizens investigated for threatening, causing bodily harm, and robbery, all with the added charge of religious discrimination. The victim, a legal immigrant, filed complaints leading to the investigation.
The attackers confronted the victim, accusing him of attending a Christian church, and proceeded to beat him, stealing his necklace before he managed to escape. The victim required hospital treatment. Later, two of the assailants approached him again, demanding withdrawal of the complaint and cessation of attending the Catholic church.
Investigations confirmed religious discrimination as the motive. The victim’s conversion to Christianity and participation in religious activities were not accepted by his Muslim compatriots.
Given the severity of the alleged crimes, the suspects’ criminal records, and the potential for repeated offenses, the court ordered their remand in custody.
Source: ilmessaggero.it
