Italian anger at attacks on women

Italian police believe they are close to arresting the gang who raped a teenage girl in a Rome park on Saturday. Cross-checks with known suspects and forensic samples from the scene have brought them close to solving the case. The rape, the latest in a series of attacks on women, has prompted calls for harsh measures, including surgical castration for offenders.

However, Interior Minister Roberto Maroni said people must respect the law, after five Romanian immigrants were beaten by masked youths at a kebab restaurant near the park. Immigrants are blamed by many for Italy’s rising crime rate. Later this week parliament will debate new laws in rape cases, including holding suspects in custody, and providing state legal aid for victims. However, critics deplored the idea of allowing unarmed militia groups to patrol potential attack sites.More about: Crime, Italy

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