A Pakistani citizen, Naveed Aslam, has been honoured in Italy for stopping a man who allegedly attacked children at a park in the city of Brescia.
Brescia Mayor Laura Castelletti presented Aslam with a commemorative shield at a ceremony recognising his courage and civic responsibility. Local officials described him as the “Hero of Brescia” after he intervened during the incident at Alberini Park.
According to media reports, the incident took place when a man allegedly attacked children playing in the park and tried to grab them by the neck. Aslam, who was at the park with his wife and children, stepped in and restrained the man until police arrived.
Mayor praises Naveed Aslam’s action
The ceremony was attended by city councillors, lawyers, journalists, business representatives, members of the Pakistani community and Aslam’s family.
Mayor Castelletti praised Aslam’s bravery and said his action reflected civic responsibility and concern for others in a moment of danger.
When Castelletti and Aslam entered the hall together, participants reportedly stood to welcome them.
Suspect detained after park incident
Italian media identified the suspect as a 29-year-old Nigerian national legally residing in Italy. According to reports, police were already aware of him in connection with drug-related cases.
Brescia officials said proceedings had been initiated to revoke the suspect’s residence permit and deport him. The case also prompted debate among local politicians over public safety, migration and mental health services.
Aslam says he acted to protect the child
Aslam, who belongs to Gujrat, Pakistan, has been living in Italy since 2018 on a permanent visa. He is the father of four children, and his wife is an Italian citizen of Pakistani origin.
Recalling the incident, Aslam said he saw a man holding a child by the neck while other families in the park were frightened. He asked his wife to call the police and then moved forward to stop the attacker.
Aslam said he suffered injuries during the struggle and felt pain near the area where he had recently received a pacemaker, but he continued holding the suspect until police reached the scene.
He said the official recognition was an honour, but the applause from people at the park after the child was rescued remained the most meaningful moment for him.
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