Role of race contested in killing of Nigerian man in Italy

By COLLEEN BARRY
Associated Press

CIVITANOVA MARCHE, Italy (AP) — Two marches have taken place through one of Italy’s Adriatic beach towns, both seeking justice in the brutal daylight killing of a Nigerian man at the hands of an Italian stranger. But the marchers Saturday were divided by one word: Racism. One march organized by Nigerians living in Italy’s Macerata province was led by the victim’s tearful widow and joined by his brothers. Organizers of that march said they did not want the search for justice clouded by accusations of racism that they feel cannot be proven. The second march, along same route, was led by Black Italians from all over Italy. They demanded that Italian authorities reverse themselves and recognize the role that race played in the July 29 killing.