Posted on 08/10/2006 2:45:03 PM PDT by Republicain
The mayor of Naples has apologised to a US tourist who was beaten up by local residents shortly after he was mugged. The tourist, Matthew Godfrey, 25, from Utah, was attacked, after trying to pursue two men who stole his camera and fled on a scooter.
Instead of helping him, a group of bystanders punched and kicked him, allowing the muggers to escape.
The mayor, Rosa Russo Jervolino, said the action of the locals in protecting the muggers tarnished the city's name.
The police took Mr Godfrey to hospital where he was treated and released and subsequently left Naples.
The police have arrested the two suspected thieves, acting on Mr Godfrey's description of them, and are trying to identify the people who took part in the assault.
In her apology, the mayor said the attack was "inexcusable" and had given Naples an "uncivilised image".
The head of the local council also condemned the behaviour of the local residents and offered Mr Godfrey a personal tour of the southern Italian city.
"I have officially invited Matthew, who in the meantime has left to continue his travels, to return to Naples soon to eat a pizza together," Leonardo Impegno said in a statement, quoted by Reuters news agency.
Welcome to Italy.
Actually, Naples has had an uncivilized image for some time, even amongst Italians.
"Tarnished the name" of the city of thieves?
This is timely as I am scheduled to travel to southern Italy in the fall. Every travel guide I've read in recent weeks about Italy begins with warnings about being robbed. I think I may just stay home instead and watch the History Channel.
Yeah Napoli is pretty rough, kinda place where you try not to look too much like a tourist. Though that's a pretty good idea most places.
I'd like to see/read the description of the muggers and those who attacked Mr. Godfrey.
How 'bout giving him a new camera?
This was a golden opportunity missed for world-wide PR. The Mayor is obviously not a clever politician.
Robbed and assaulted.
Come have pizza??
Hey Rosa, buy the guy a new camera!
Reimburse him his hotel fee.
Was the medical treatment charged?
I'd be reluctant to return and for what? A Pizza with a local mayor?
Every politician I know is an insuferable bore and a liar. Why would I want to spend more time then necessary with one?
I've lived in Florida for 35 years. Folks live here from the world over. I constantly ask folks from evrywhere what the local politicians in their home country are like and to a one everyone says they are crooks.
Nigeria, Briton, France, Germany, Haiti, Lebanon, U.S.A., Mexico, India, Pakistan, Beliez, Honduras, Korea, China, Japan. I can go on but folks from these and other countries all say politicians are crooks.
bttt
and then the mayor demanded a 'tourist fee' of $5,000 or he would imrpison him..../sarcasm
I kind of enjoyed my week or so in Naples, but that was back in 1960 and I think it was still ruled by Crusaders or Normans or something.
Didn't like Naples last time I was there. I remember seeing this really ugly building. The tour guide said it was built by King Victor Emanuel, whom she described as the "father of our country." Then she cracked, "Some say he literally was the father of our country...for he had many illegitimate children."
Much nicer was Sorrento. Or the Isle of Capri.
A bunch of Italian lookin' guys?
;^)
Even Al Gore was robbed in Italy.
(although, that may have been a dead drop)
He was told to keep a wallet with a small amount of cash and some fake or useless credit card just in case he was held up. I think he put in 2-fivers and a twenty and some expired credit cards (Sam's Club and Wine Warehouse cards).
as long as I can remember, Itally has had a HORRIBLE reputation with regards to mugging.
We were warned to ALWAYS lock suitcases because hotel staff would go through them routinely, ALWAYS be extra careful on trains.
Not just normal precautions but treat everyone like a mugger or an accomplice to a mugger.
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