Report from the Council of Europe: unacceptable accusations of racism against Italian police
Rome, June 10, 2025 – “Let me be clear from the outset: we firmly reject any prejudiced attacks against Italy’s law enforcement, who risk their lives daily to ensure the safety, legality, and social cohesion of all Italians.
It is unacceptable to accuse the entire police force based on subjective perceptions or partial testimonies, without objective evidence or judicial findings.
The report claims there are ‘numerous testimonies’ of racial profiling, particularly targeting Roma and people of African descent.
Mr. President, I ask: who decides which testimonies to consider and how to weigh them in the Council of Europe’s reports?
Law enforcement does not act based on skin color but on evidence, behavior, and operational contexts. Those who suggest otherwise cast doubt on every security check, undermining trust between citizens and the state.
Let me reiterate: we cannot allow the narrative of discrimination to be used as a shield to delegitimize those who uphold public order, especially at a time when our cities face challenges from irregular immigration, urban decay, and rising petty crime.
It’s worth noting that the same ECRI report, albeit marginally, acknowledges the significant training efforts by the Police and Carabinieri to prevent hate incidents and improve dialogue with citizens. Yet, instead of highlighting these achievements, it dwells on an unacceptable, guilt-by-generalization narrative.
If individual errors occur, as in any profession, there are already appropriate disciplinary and judicial tools to address them. But blanket criminalization of our police is irresponsible and dangerous.
It’s shameful that some opposition motions describe this Council of Europe report as ‘an opportunity for monitoring’ or suggest we should ‘constructively contribute to implementing its recommendations.’
To those who speak of ‘racial profiling,’ let me remind them that Italy is one of Europe’s most generous countries in terms of welcoming migrants, providing free healthcare even to irregular migrants, and supporting inclusion projects.
But integration isn’t achieved by accusing institutions—it’s built on mutual respect, adherence to rules, and support for our law enforcement. Always standing with our law enforcement.”
– This was stated by Hon. Simone Billi, leader of the Lega Salvini Premier group in the Foreign Affairs Committee and member of Italy’s delegation to the Council of Europe since 2018, during the debate in the Chamber of Deputies on the Council of Europe’s report on racial profiling by law enforcement in Italy.
It is unacceptable to accuse the entire police force based on subjective perceptions or partial testimonies, without objective evidence or judicial findings.
The report claims there are ‘numerous testimonies’ of racial profiling, particularly targeting Roma and people of African descent.
Mr. President, I ask: who decides which testimonies to consider and how to weigh them in the Council of Europe’s reports?
Law enforcement does not act based on skin color but on evidence, behavior, and operational contexts. Those who suggest otherwise cast doubt on every security check, undermining trust between citizens and the state.
Let me reiterate: we cannot allow the narrative of discrimination to be used as a shield to delegitimize those who uphold public order, especially at a time when our cities face challenges from irregular immigration, urban decay, and rising petty crime.
It’s worth noting that the same ECRI report, albeit marginally, acknowledges the significant training efforts by the Police and Carabinieri to prevent hate incidents and improve dialogue with citizens. Yet, instead of highlighting these achievements, it dwells on an unacceptable, guilt-by-generalization narrative.
If individual errors occur, as in any profession, there are already appropriate disciplinary and judicial tools to address them. But blanket criminalization of our police is irresponsible and dangerous.
It’s shameful that some opposition motions describe this Council of Europe report as ‘an opportunity for monitoring’ or suggest we should ‘constructively contribute to implementing its recommendations.’
To those who speak of ‘racial profiling,’ let me remind them that Italy is one of Europe’s most generous countries in terms of welcoming migrants, providing free healthcare even to irregular migrants, and supporting inclusion projects.
But integration isn’t achieved by accusing institutions—it’s built on mutual respect, adherence to rules, and support for our law enforcement. Always standing with our law enforcement.”
– This was stated by Hon. Simone Billi, leader of the Lega Salvini Premier group in the Foreign Affairs Committee and member of Italy’s delegation to the Council of Europe since 2018, during the debate in the Chamber of Deputies on the Council of Europe’s report on racial profiling by law enforcement in Italy.
the On.Simone Billi’s speech in the Chamber of Deputies: