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Riccardo Magi, an MP, was forcibly removed from an Italian parliamentary session for donning a white sheet with eyeholes.
An Italian opposition lawmaker was physically removed from parliament on Wednesday after dressing as a ghost to protest alleged attempts to suppress democratic participation.
Riccardo Magi, from the +Europa party, was seen in a video shared online wearing a white sheet with eyeholes and the word ‘Referendum’ written on it. He disrupted the session by shouting from his seat, protesting what his party claims are government efforts to discourage voter participation in several national referendums scheduled for next month. These votes are slated to address issues such as Italy’s citizenship requirements for foreigners and the revocation of certain labor reform provisions.
Lorenzo Fontana, the speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, halted Magi’s demonstration by ordering his removal. Parliamentary ushers and five security personnel were then seen dragging Magi from the chamber.
Following the incident, Magi posted a video of his protest on X, stating that “they can drag the ghost of the Referendum away from the chamber but they will not stop us from trying to inform the Italians.”
“We only ask that the Prime Minister inform citizens about the referendum vote. We are not asking you for a favor, it is your precise duty,” he stated, urging citizens to vote on June 8 and 9 “without fear.”
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