'Allahu Akbar' ranters in Venice will be shot, mayor declares
The mayor of Venice has warned anyone who shouts “Allahu Akbar” in the Italian tourist hotspot will be immediately shot.
Speaking at a press conference in northeast Italy, the right-wing mayor Luigi Brugnaro said Venice was safer than Barcelona where 13 people were killed earlier this month after terrorists drove a van down Las Ramblas, according to The Times.
Mr Brugnaro said he had given orders to police on anyone shouting the phrase, which means “Allah is greater”.
“If anyone runs into St Mark’s Square shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’, we will take him down," he continued.
"A year ago I said within four paces, now within three. I will say it in Venetian: ‘Ghe Sparemo’ [We will shoot him]."
The mayor was applauded for his stance and went on the recall the arrest in March of four suspected jihadists who allegedly planned to blow up the Rialto bridge.
"They wanted to go to Allah,” he said.
“But we'll send them straight to Allah before they can do any damage."
Venice, known as Italy's floating city, has many of its tourist attractions surrounded by water and off limits to most vehicles.
Youngest Manchester Attack victim farewelled at heartbreaking funeral
One dead after van hits people at Marseille bus stops
Sydney mourns young life lost in Barcelona terror attack
Florence mayor makes 'Allahu Akbar' joke
The left-wing mayor of Florence, Dario Nardella, rushed up to Mr Brugnaro after the speech shouting “Allahu Akbar!” and laughing.
He has since apologised for his actions and said it was not his “intention to offend anyone, not least the Muslim community, nor to joke about their religion or neither to reference the tragic events of our times”.
Mr Brugnaro has also called on a naval blockade to stop people coming into Italy from north Africa.
