Anger as mayor vows to build pool with 'plenty of chlorine to WASH refugees'
AN ITALIAN mayor has sparked outrage after he vowed to build a pool with “plenty of chlorine to wash the refugees” as tensions continue to simmer over the escalating migrant crisis.
The Italian mayor's comments have caused outrage
More than 420,000 migrants and refugees from Syria and other countries have landed in Italy since the start of 2014.
Many have had hopes of reaching richer northern European nations thwarted by a border crackdown, leading to overcrowding in Italian transit centres and camps.
Italy is one of the first destinations along migrants typical routes for months, receiving thousands of new arrivals who continue to risk their lives to cross the Mediterranean on rickety smugglers' boats.
A group of migrants march into Europe
We will build a pool with plenty of chlorine to wash the refugees
But many have been critical of the welcoming of so many asylum seekers, including Nicola Pettenuzzo, vice mayor of San Giorgio in Bosco, and part of Lega Nord, who launched a scathing attack on the migrant community.
He said: “We will build a pool with plenty of chlorine to wash the refugees".
ore than 420,000 migrants and refugees from Syria and other countries have landed in Italy
The committee ‘No Xenophobia’ of Padua, hit back and called for Rome to “take distance from this statement and apologises to immigrants and to the many volunteers engaged daily in the welcoming process".
They told local newspaper, Padova Oggi: “’Refugees', as they call them, are migrants who flee from wars and famine.
Italy is one of the first destinations along migrants typical routes
“They are not diseases to be cured or stains to be cleaned, but people seeking our help. Shame on them."
His shocking remarks come after it emerged Joe Formaggio, mayor from the town of Albettone, said he will shoot “n****** and gypsies” and build a farm next to mosques.