Gay couple suffered a severe beating during New Year’s in Rome: one of them was left with head trauma

A gay couple who were walking hand in hand in Rome suffered a severe homophobic attack by about ten young people last New Year’s Eve, in an event that left one of them seriously injured and which sparked condemnation from entities in the LGTBQI+ community and from the man himself. Rome City Council, the local press reported this Thursday, December 2, 2024.

The couple received insults when returning home after the New Year celebrationswhich was followed by the attack in the middle of the street by a group of at least 10 young people.

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The beating left one of the boys with a head injury, a red nose and a face severely bruised from the blows.

After the attack, a protest demonstration has been called this coming Saturday, December 4, 2024, at the same place of the events, the Malatesta Square.

The couple, supported by LGBTQI+ organizations, decided to file a formal complaint against the attackers and local authorities have also condemned the attack.

“Homophobic violence continues to hit, but Rome will continue to support the LFTBQI+ community for the good of the entire city,” said Marilena Grassadonia, coordinator of the LGTB+ Rights Office of the city council.

In an interview with Il Tabloid, Grassadonia stressed that “Being attacked because you walk hand in hand with the person you love is a violent and intolerant act that has no place in our city. “Knowing that the attack was committed by a real gang that took the time to go out on the street specifically to beat up the two boys who were returning home after the night’s party is something that leaves us dismayed.”

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