In Rome, a 70-year-old Moroccan attacked in the street as inquiry begins

This update focuses on 70-year-old Moroccan victim. A 70-year-old Moroccan man says he was violently attacked in Rome amid racist insults, an incident that is raising concern among many Moroccans living abroad in Italy.

70-year-old Moroccan victim in Centocelle district

The incident reportedly took place on 25 September in Centocelle, a district in eastern Rome. According to local outlet RomaToday, the man, identified as Karim, was walking with a friend when someone allegedly complained that he was speaking too loudly in the street.

In a video testimony shared by community activists, Karim says a young man then appeared carrying a baseball bat. The attacker allegedly threatened him, then hit him, while shouting phrases such as “Go back to your country, Moroccan”.

The presumed victim describes falling to the ground, repeated blows and insults targeting his origin and his language. He believes speaking Arabic with his friend may have triggered the aggression. “I was beaten for no reason,” he says, adding that he is now afraid to go out.

Serious injuries and a complaint underway

Based on information reported in the local press, Karim suffered a broken nose, damaged teeth and reduced vision in his left eye. He was treated in hospital after the alleged assault.

Lawyer Andrea Augenti has announced that a formal complaint will be filed with the Italian authorities. He is demanding that racial hatred be recognised as an aggravating circumstance in this case. The investigation will have to confirm what happened and establish who is responsible.

The case was brought to public attention by Ahmed Vall, a representative of the Islamic Community of Rome, who has been supporting Karim in his démarches. For many Moroccans living in Italy, the story revives concerns about everyday safety and how seriously racist violence is taken by institutions.

Political reactions and local support

In Rome, political figures reacted quickly. Rachele Mussolini and Michel Emi Maritato, both from Forza Italia, expressed solidarity with Karim. They condemned what they describe as a racist and Islamophobic attack and called for an unambiguous response.

They stressed that the Italian capital must remain an open and welcoming city and rejected all forms of hatred and discrimination. These public statements are also intended to reassure the city’s many foreign communities, including a large Moroccan community.

Key steps for Moroccans living abroad

For Moroccans abroad, this case is a reminder of how important it is to know what help exists in cases of aggression or discrimination. In Rome, Ahmed Vall has announced the launch of a dedicated discrimination helpline to offer first-line support and direct victims towards the appropriate services.

According to the information shared locally, this initiative aims to work with Rome’s municipality, public institutions and associations to build prevention and anti-discrimination programmes.

More broadly, Moroccans living abroad who face similar situations can:

• go immediately to a hospital or doctor to have injuries formally recorded;
• file a complaint with the local police or gendarmerie;
• contact human rights or migrant-support organisations;
• reach out to Moroccan consulates for information and guidance.

For those planning a long stay in Europe, regular travel, or an eventual return to Morocco, it is useful to stay informed about the legal framework in their country of residence. Our practical guide for Moroccans living abroad includes key administrative steps and contacts to know in case of difficulties.

In addition, the official portal dedicated to Moroccans abroad (mre.gov.ma) provides updated information on consular services and support schemes, complementing the work of local associations.

For more context, readers can follow Canal212 news for Moroccans abroad.