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To Flee Mob, Italian Museum Seeks Asylum in Germany

Mafia threats spark plea for museum and staff

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 8, 2011 3:37 AM CST

(Newser) – The director of a Naples museum is urging Germany to grant asylum to the museum and its staff seeking to flee the mob. Antonio Manfredi says the contemporary art museum has been plagued by vandalism and threats from the local Mafia. The museum has put on exhibitions dealing with social issues, including the prevalence of organized crime, Der Spiegel reports.

"I am sending you a request that I know probably sounds absurd, but that just goes to show the immense difficulties one faces in trying to make culture in my country," Manfredi wrote to German Chancellor Angela Merkel. "In the name of culture and art, I hereby ask you to grant our request." German officials say they are viewing the request as more of a stunt than a serious plea for asylum.

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The museum's director says local police have done nothing about the threats. (Casoria Museum)

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If the Italian government isn't capable of taking care of its cultural treasures, then let another country do it. This is a warning scream from Italian art to the world. - Antonio Manfredi, director of the Casoria Contemporary Art Museum

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To Flee Mob, Italian Museum Seeks Asylum in Germany

Mafia threats spark plea for museum and staff

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