The mayor of Alessio, citing the risk posed by the coronavirus epidemic, denied entry into the city to foreign nationals without certificates. He was consequently accused of racial discrimination and fined.

The mayor has made the issuance of temporary residence permits contingent on possession of a document certifying the absence of communicable diseases. This certificate is required of all non-Italian citizens who are not entitled to Italy s healthcare system with the exception of emergency care.

However, the required certificate is particularly difficult to obtain for individuals defined in the new regulation – typically migrants referred to as homeless people, as well as foreigners – who are denied access to Italy s national health service. In its ruling, the Savona court described the move as „racial discrimination,” and fined the mayor 3,750 euros.

The mayor stood his ground on the issue. Enlisting the support of Lega s local secretary in Liguria, the former adviser to Forza Italia and the regional president, he persisted in fighting for the health of the city s citizens, refuted charges of racism, and emphasized the importance of prevention and safeguarding public health.

The fine for racial discrimination was imposed under Article 3 of Law 654/1975, which penalises those who „in any form” propagate notions based on superiority or racial hatred. According to the court ruling,  no public health risk in relation to people who are not Italian nationals has ever existed and, in the absence of such a health risk, any accusation of discrimination is unjustified.