On New Year’s Eve, Milan’s Piazza del Duomo, typically a symbol of celebration, became the backdrop for a harrowing, violent sexual attack by Islamic Middle Eastern migrants involving a group of Belgian students. Laura, a 20-year-old student from Liège, recounted the traumatic events that unfolded as she and her friends sought to welcome the New Year in one of Italy’s most iconic squares.
A Night of Terror
Laura and her group, consisting of four women and two men, arrived at Piazza del Duomo anticipating a festive atmosphere. However, as midnight approached, they observed a noticeable absence of tourists and locals, replaced instead by groups of Islamic men who did not appear to be Italian. “As soon as we arrived, we noticed very few tourists and Italians,” Laura explained, adding that insults such as ‘Fuck you, Italy’ and ‘Shitty police’ were directed at the country and its law enforcement. “We were trapped, powerless in the face of so much violence. It was a waking nightmare.” This atmosphere of hostility set an ominous tone.
Seeking safety, the group decided to enter the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, believing it to be a secure location. It was here that they were encircled by approximately forty men aged between 20 and 40. The assailants blocked their path and began groping the women, touching their private parts both over and under their clothing. Laura recounted, “They clasped our hands and arms, groping us both above and underneath our clothes.” The sexual attack lasted for about ten minutes—“an eternity,” she said, “though in those moments, you lose sense of time.”
A Cry for Help Met with Inaction
In the midst of the chaos, an Italian man intervened, rescuing his wife and Laura from the aggressive mob. “He dragged me by the arm while saving his wife, who was screaming with all her strength,” Laura recalled. “It was an Italian gentleman who saved me and his wife. Otherwise, I don’t know what would have happened to me.” Once out of immediate danger, Laura approached a policewoman, desperate for assistance. “She had tears in her eyes and told me, ‘I cannot do anything, I am sorry,’” Laura said. This response revealed a disturbing inability—or unwillingness—to provide immediate aid to victims.
Lingering Trauma and Calls for Justice
The psychological impact of the assault has been profound. Laura and her friends have sought psychological support to process the trauma. Reflecting on the incident, Laura shared her internal struggle: “It’s difficult to accept the fact that something was done without my consent… It’s difficult to accept that I was dirtied, lynched in front of everyone.” […]
— Read More: rairfoundation.com
