Quran Burned in Italy: Outrage Erupts as Calls Grow to Confront Religious Hatred

Hawzah News Agency- Ferentz Venturli, known on social media as “Eterno” (“Eternal”), posted a video of himself tearing a copy of the Holy Quran and then setting it ablaze. He justified the sacrilegious act by claiming it was a protest against what he called “Islamic extremism.”

Venturli, who recently joined the political movement “Futuro Nazionale” (“National Future”) led by Roberto Vannacci, a member of the European Parliament, called in his video for “saving Italy from Islamic extremism.”

In response, Roberto Vannacci stated that he does not personally know Venturli and that he is merely a member of the movement. He stressed that his movement does not promote mocking other religions and cultures. Marco Luzzi, the provincial official of the political current, also said Venturli’s action was personal and that disciplinary measures against him are possible.

Condemnation by Reggio Emilia Mayor

Marco Massari, the mayor of Reggio Emilia, condemned the act, describing it as “insulting and bigoted.” He also sent a letter to the city’s Islamic communities, expressing solidarity and emphasizing the importance of respecting the Holy Quran as a spiritual reference for millions of Muslims and the necessity of mutual respect for civil coexistence.

The issue also triggered widespread reactions on social media, sparking debates about Islam, Christianity, migration, and Italian national identity.

Open Letter Condemning Desecration of Sanctities

In continuation of the reactions, an open letter was published by civil activists and representatives of the Islamic community in Italy, condemning the act against the Holy Quran.

The authors of the letter emphasized that targeted insults against religious sanctities should not become a pretext for fueling hatred and social divisions. They also stressed the need to distinguish between “freedom of expression” and “hate speech,” calling on political, social, and media institutions to deal responsibly with religious issues.

The letter also emphasized the importance of dialogue between religions and cultures, mutual respect, and the preservation of social peace, urging all parties to avoid tension-provoking and violent reactions and to raise their objections within the framework of the law and in a peaceful manner.