ROME, May 14. /ITAR-TASS/. Italian society is campaigning against fascism’s return in Europe, with plans for a May 17 rally before the Ukrainian embassy in Rome widely supported on the Internet.

Renowned public activist and journalist Julietto Kieza has initiated the event, telling ITAR-TASS that “the murder of 50 Ukrainian nationals in Odessa through methods the Nazis used” was an outrage too far.

“Western media outlets have mispresented the news beyond recognition,” said Kieza, a former member of the European Parliament. “The worst methods of Nazi massacre were used in Odessa when people were given no opportunity for escape, being burned alive,” the activist said.

The role of the US and the European Union, “who supported a coup in Kiev”, could be seen clearly in Ukrainian developments. “We, Italians, consider Italy a republic born on the basis of anti-fascism, but now we are becoming part of that tragedy against our will,” he said.

“Being a NATO member country and an ally of the United States, we have already turned a blind eye to numerous violations of our Constitution,” the journalist said, adding that he was appealing to all who shared the values of peace and democracy.

“Our manifestation will be a protest against war, and mourning for the dead,” he said.

Kieza once worked as a reporter in Moscow, witnessing disintegration of the Soviet Union. In 2004, he was elected to the European Parliament, where he was among leaders of several commissions, notably those responsible for European Union ties with Russia and former Soviet republics.

Kieza actively participates in public life, often appearing on Italian and Russian television. He is a member of the New Policy Forum’s board of directors and leader of the political movement Alternativa, his own creation.