In Turin, Mayor Stefano Lo Russo of the Democratic Party has sparked controversy by endorsing an iftar event during Ramadan at the mosque led by Imam Mohamed Shahin. This imam had previously been the subject of a deportation order from the Italian interior ministry, which was later overturned by local courts citing a lack of evidence that he posed a national security threat. However, the situation has raised eyebrows, especially given Shahin's associations with individuals linked to terrorism.

Among those connections is Riyad Albustanji, who is currently incarcerated due to a major investigation by the prosecutor's office in Genoa into Hamas's activities in Italy. Albustanji had been travelling frequently among Norway, Italy, and Jordan prior to his arrest and is allegedly involved in a broader network that supports terrorist activities. The sponsorship of the event by the mayor has brought about critical scrutiny from various political factions in Italy, raising questions about the implications of endorsing community events that might have associations with extremist figures.

Critics argue that the decision highlights a troubling trend of political leaders accommodating segments of the Muslim community with ties to groups like Hamas, potentially undermining national security. This incident reflects ongoing tensions in Italian society regarding immigration, integration, and security, illustrating the challenges faced by local governments in navigating relationships with diverse cultural and religious groups while ensuring public safety.