[ 2013-07-28 ]

Black Italian minister Kyenge suffers banana insult
Italian politicians have reacted with anger after
the country's first black minister had bananas
thrown at her during a political rally.

Integration Minister Cecile Kyenge, who has
suffered racial abuse in the past, dismissed the
act as "a waste of food".

But Environment Minister Andrea Orlando said on
Twitter he felt the "utmost indignation" over the
incident.

Earlier this month an Italian senator apologised
after saying Ms Kyenge reminded him of an
orangutan.

Congolese-born Ms Kyenge was speaking at a
Democratic Party (PD) rally in Cervia on Friday
when an unidentified spectator threw bananas
towards the stage, narrowly missing her.

Italian police say they are trying to find the
culprit.

'Courage to change'

Responding on Twitter, Ms Kyenge called the
incident "sad" and "a waste of food".

"The courage and optimism to change things has to
come above all from the bottom up to reach the
institutions," she added.

Italian politicians rallied behind her on Saturday
with messages of support and condemnation.

Education Minister Maria Chiara Carrozza praised
Ms Kyenge for her courage and determination in
such a hostile climate.

Veneto regional governor Luca Zaia from the
anti-immigration Northern League also spoke out
against the incident, saying: "Throwing bananas,
personal insults... acts like these play no part
in the civilised and democratic discussion needed
between the minister and those who don't share her
opinion."

Correspondents say the slurs and threats suffered
by Ms Kyenge have highlighted the extent of casual
racism in Italian society.

Senate vice-president Roberto Calderoli, of the
Northern League, faced calls to quit earlier this
month after making the orangutan remarks.

He told parliament he had made a "serious mistake"
with his "offensive" comment and he would send Ms
Kyenge a bunch of roses.

Source - BBC

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