Man left with broken foot in homophobic attack in Italy
He claims people walked passed and didn't help him
By Steve Brown
An Italian man was viciously attacked in a popular area of the city of Turin.
The 19-year-old man – who was only identified as Alberto in the Italian press – and his female friend were on their way to meet other friends when they were approached by a group of people near a crowded underground station, La Repubblica reported.
One of the men mocked the way he walked and called him a “f****t” and when Alberto asked what his problem was, the guy allegedly replied: “Even if you’re gay, you are still a man and I can beat you to death”.
Alberto then walked away but he was punched in the back of his neck. His attacker then lifted him up and smashed him to the ground before running away.
All he claims he remembers is his friend crying desperately while people kept walking passed them, drinking and laughing, without helping.
He said: “There were a lot of people, but no one defended me.”
Two men offered to help and took him to hospital. He was left with a broken clavicle and right foot.
“I feel bad, both in the soul and in the body. I can’t lie down and I feel strong pain,” he added.
“But worst still is the feeling of not being free. It’s really absurd that in 2018 a boy, gay or straight, isn’t free to dress or walk however he pleases.
“It’s inconceivable that he should be afraid of someone calling him ‘f****t’ and savagely beating him.”
When he was asked whether coming out actually benefitted him, Alberto replied: “It certainly freed me from a burden, beforehand it was really hand.
“Outside, however, it’s different. The jokes and the looks that make you feel different are aways there.
“I hope the police will be able to identify this person and prevent him from hurting someone else. We mustn’t remain silent.”