A man in Italy has been arrested on suspicion of the brutal murder of a street seller after he called the alleged perpetrator's girlfriend 'beautiful' while attempting a sale.
Onlookers filmed the attack, which unfolded in broad daylight in the centre of Civitanova Marche on Friday 29 July.
The incident has sparked outrage and protests in the area after crowds reportedly took footage of the killing of 39-year-old Alika Ogorchukwu rather than intervening.
Barrister Allison Bailey commented on the incident on Twitter, writing: "Alika Ogorchukwu, a Black man from Nigeria who needed a cane to walk was choked to death today by a white man in front of onlookers who filmed the assault but did not intervene or shout for his assailant to stop.
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"How utterly barbaric & shameful."
A 32-year-old man from the Italian port city of Salerno has been arrested and is facing murder charges, as well as theft for allegedly stealing Ogorchukwu’s phone.
Local reports claim the suspect lashed out when the vendor said to his girlfriend: "Bella, can you buy some handkerchiefs or give me one euro."
Police investigator Matteo Luconi said: "The aggressor went after the victim, first hitting him with a crutch.
"He made him fall to the ground, then he finished, causing the death, striking repeatedly with his bare hands."
He added: "Witnesses will be heard and camera images viewed to clarify the dynamics of the beating."
Many people and organisations have condemned the attack, including Vinicio Albanesi, a priest and founder of a welfare association.
The Guardian reports that he blamed the murder on 'racism and anger that is vented on the most fragile', stating: "We live in a distrustful region, where Black people are accepted only if they do the humblest of jobs."
Adding to this, Laura Boldrini, a Democratic Party politician, said: "A man was killed on the street in Civitanova Marche with brutal violence, while witnesses filmed the scene.
"Father Albanesi is right: racism, indifference and anger find an outlet on the weakest."
The Nigerian Embassy in Italy has sent out a press release on the killing, writing: "The incident occurred on a busy street, in front of shocked onlookers, some of whom made videos of the attack, with little or no attempt to prevent it.
"His Excellency, Ambassador Mfawa Omini Abam has condemned the gruesome murder and has commiserated with Mrs Charity Oriachi, wife of the deceased and the rest of his family."
Orgorchukwu’s wife joined hundreds of protestors who took to Civitanova Marche on Saturday (30 July) for a demonstration against the tragic death of the dad-of-two and the inaction from those who witnessed the killing.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact Stop Hate UK by visiting their website www.stophateuk.org
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Topics: News, Racism, World News
Daisy Phillipson