An Italian group on Facebook, calling itself “Deridiamo i bambini Down” [“Let’s Mock Down’s Syndrome Children”] has attracted 1,700 members and advocates using Down’s Syndrome children for target practice at shooting centres.
The group’s administrators, calling themselves the “signore della notte” [“Man of the night”] and the “Vendicatore Mascherato” [“Masked avenger”] also say that Down’s Syndrome children are a burden on society and calls them “foul creatures”.
At least 32 Facebook groups had been set up in protest by Sunday night and one, calling for the closure of the “Deridiamo” group, has so far attracted nearly 45,000 members. It looks as though it has succeeded as the “Deridiamo” group is no longer on Facebook.
Or was it removed by its administrators, in fear of police action? Maria Carfagna, Italy’s Equal Opportunities Minister, has stepped in, calling the group “unacceptable, unworthy of civilised people, dangerous and a crime which will be investigated.” She continued, “incitement to commit a crime, wherever it takes place and in whatever form, is a crime.”
In Italy 650 – 700 babies a year are born with Down’s Syndrome. It is estimated that 49,000 people, 11,000 of whom are under the age of 14, have Down’s Syndrome in Italy.
Do you agree with the Minister?
