The town of Romano di Lombardia near
Bergamo has banned 'Bella Ciao' being sung at the start of the
Liberation Day procession there on Friday, Corriere della Sera
reported on Thursday.
Premier Giorgia Meloni's government has declared five days of
national mourning following Pope Francis's death on Monday and
has said Liberation Day events can take place as long as they
are conducted in a "sober" way.
Opposition politicians have said the call for sobriety is
unnecessary and betrays the ruling coalition's lack of
enthusiasm for the April 25 national holiday celebrating the
country's liberation from Fascism and the Nazi occupation at the
end of World War II.
'Bella Ciao' is associated with the Partisans of the Italian
resistance.
A statement signed by the president of the council assembly,
Paolo Patelli of the League, says that playing songs is not
allowed during the first parts of the procession.
The local branch of Partisan association ANPI said it would be
impossible to stop people singing 'Bella Ciao' if they want to.
(see related).
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