M5S and Casapound Censor Lucamaleonte's Antimafia Mural in Ostia
In July 2019, a mural promoting anti-mafia sentiments, created by artist Lucamaleonte in Ostia, encountered backlash leading to its censorship. The local government, controlled by the Five Star Movement, responded to demands from the far-right organization Casapound, which objected to the portrayal of social figures, including journalist Federica Angeli. The mural, a collaboration with the a.DNA Collective and involving approximately 1,000 students, was partially covered on July 18 to prevent political controversy. Following criticism from Casapound’s Luca Marsella, Lucamaleonte withdrew from the initiative, and a.DNA Collective subsequently decided to cease future projects in the area.
Key facts
- Mural by Lucamaleonte and a.DNA Collective in Ostia, Rome, focused on antimafia and legality.
- Project involved 36 classes, 32 teachers, and about 1,000 students from ten schools.
- Work began on July 10, 2019, at Lido Nord metro station.
- On July 18, 2019, the X Municipio ordered covering of seven living individuals' faces.
- Order came from M5S councilor Antonio Di Giovanni.
- Casapound councilor Luca Marsella led protests, particularly against journalist Federica Angeli.
- Artist Lucamaleonte disowned the mural after the censorship.
- a.DNA Collective president Mirko Pierri stated they will not do further murals in Ostia.
Entities
Artists
- Lucamaleonte
Institutions
- a.DNA Collective
- Municipio X
- Five Star Movement (M5S)
- Casapound
- Ministry of Education
- Repubblica
- ANPI
- RomaToday
- Artribune
Locations
- Ostia
- Rome
- Italy
- Lido Nord
- Ostia Antica
- Bibbiano
- Emilia-Romagna
- London