Two Arrested in Rome Over Anti-Semitic Attack on Jewish Scholar
Two Rome residents were arrested for an anti-Semitic attempted robbery and assault targeting Jewish history researcher Benedetto Ligorio near a local synagogue.
Two residents of Rome, aged 36 and 46, have been arrested following an anti-Semitic attempted robbery targeting Benedetto Ligorio, a researcher specializing in European Jewish history. According to police, the suspects hurled anti-Semitic insults, attempted to steal his mobile phone as he tried to call emergency services, and struck him in the face.
The attack took place on the evening of August 14 near the synagogue located on Via Padova 92 in Rome. Investigators stated that the assailants approached the scholar, hurled abusive remarks, tried to snatch his phone, and assaulted him before fleeing the scene. The incident lasted approximately ten minutes and was fully captured by nearby surveillance cameras.
Following a formal complaint filed by the victim, the investigation was led by the Digos special operations unit of the Rome police under the supervision of prosecutors. Surveillance footage showing the suspects' faces and tattoos proved crucial in identifying and tracking down the two individuals.
Authorities confirmed that one of the suspects has been placed in custody while the other is under house arrest, facing charges of aggravated attempted robbery driven by racial bias. Police emphasized that the suspects maintain the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law.
