This sounds like it was a bit more serious than some cartoons. Monitoring and prevention? Sounds like something akin to the NSA program ... just saying.
The Bologna basilica which was among the planned targets contains a 15-century fresco Muslim groups have interpreted as insulting to Islam.
"There was a terrorist (plot) that was to be carried out in our country and the monitoring and prevention action of our forces allowed us to thwart it," he said.
The offending fresco was the 1415 painting of Giovanni da Modena representing Mohammed in hell... the fresco is exhibited in the Bolognini chapel and is inspired by the 28th canto of Dante´s "Divine Comedy." The Basilica of St. Petronius is among the most significant works of Italy´s historic and artistic heritage. Its foundations were laid in 1390 to celebrate the city´s communal freedom.
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Posted by: Sgt. York | Thursday, April 06, 2006 at 04:16 PM
yeah and it's most likely total berlusconi bologna as well - this is one of those been there, done that stories
they foiled this attack before in june of 2002
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml;$sessionid$WZIBV0AAADJOVQFIQMFSFGGAVCBQ0IV0?xml=/news/2002/06/24/wfresc24.xml&sSheet=/news/2002/06/24/ixnewstop.html&_requestid=169263&CFID=1213356&CFTOKEN=75243836
Posted by: mojo | Thursday, April 06, 2006 at 05:15 PM
RE: "total berlusconi bologna"
It's an on-going issue. There have been demonstrations, demands that the offending section be covered, and threats of arson for many years.
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Posted by: Sgt. York | Thursday, April 06, 2006 at 05:38 PM
'three have been expelled'
Expelled to where, I would like to know.
No doubt somewhere where they can go do much of the same. These maniacs should be kept locked up permanently.
Posted by: annie | Thursday, April 06, 2006 at 09:02 PM
Expulsion. Now that is some punishment. In this day and age being on the opposite side of the world means little if you want something done bad enough. It's why Guantanamo is such a good thing.
Posted by: Phoenix | Friday, April 07, 2006 at 12:35 AM
berlusconi is up for re-election. voting is sunday and monday. he is trailing in the polls. acted like a moron on the debates and continues to take one foot out of his mouth so he can stick the other one in. yeah, they were expelled...and ciccolina was a real candidate. this guy will stoop as low as possible to retain power...because as soon as he loses, he'll be in the dock. he manipulated legislation to protect himself from prosecution as long as he's in power - he'll say or do anything right now to stay safe -- i don't buy it.
Posted by: mojo | Friday, April 07, 2006 at 02:20 AM