Italy Condemns Russia’s ‘Shameful’ Remarks Following Medieval Tower Collapse
Italy is responding with anger to Russia’s comments regarding the recent collapse of a medieval tower in Rome. Russian officials linked the incident to Italy’s support for Ukraine, claiming it has diverted funds meant for preserving cultural heritage. This criticism has sparked outrage among Italian authorities.
Details of the Tower Collapse
The Torre dei Conti, a 29-meter-tall structure built in the 13th century near the Colosseum, partially collapsed on November 3. The accident resulted in the death of Octay Stroici, a Romanian worker who was trapped under the debris for 11 hours.
Russian Remarks
- Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, made controversial statements regarding the collapse.
- In a Telegram post, she claimed that Italy’s financial decisions were leading to cultural decay.
Italian Government’s Response
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani labeled Zakharova’s remarks as “shameful” and “unacceptable.” Following the comments, Tajani summoned the Russian ambassador to formally express Italy’s displeasure.
Restoration Efforts and Investigation
The Torre dei Conti had been undergoing a €6.9 million restoration project since 2007. Funded by the European Union’s post-Covid economic recovery program, this project aimed to enhance conservation efforts and update infrastructure.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Start Date | June 2023 |
| Project Funding | €6.9 million |
| Worker Death | Octay Stroici |
| Collapse Date | November 3 |
The restoration was carried out by Edilerica and Picalarga, two renowned restoration firms in Rome. After the incident, prosecutors launched a manslaughter investigation into Stroici’s death.
Conditional Remarks from Officials
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed sorrow and condolences to Stroici’s family and colleagues. She emphasized that her government’s thoughts are with those affected by this tragic event.
As Italy continues its support for Ukraine, tensions with Russia deepen. The connection made by Russian officials between financial priorities and the integrity of cultural heritage remains a contentious issue.
