paolo
11-06-2006, 06:35 PM
:o http://www.lifeinitaly.com/news/news-detailed.asp?newsid=3541
(ANSA) - Bolzano, November 6 - A toilet which flushes to
the musical accompaniment of Italy's national anthem was the
center of attention at a court hearing here called to
determine whether the device was an offense to the nation.
The object was the work of two local artists and had been
on display at the Bolzano Museum of Modern Art until it was
impounded several days ago.
Lawyers for the museum argued that the object should not
have been seized because the anthem, while having patriotic
and sentimental value, was not an official symbol of the
nation.
The prosecution, on the other hand, presented excerpts
from speechs by former president Carlo Azeglio Ciampi who
highlighted the patriotic nature of the song.
The prosecution also cited a decree issued this year by
the ex-government of Silvio Berlusconi which defined the
national anthem as an emblem of the state.
The judge said he would make his ruling in the coming
days.
(ANSA) - Bolzano, November 6 - A toilet which flushes to
the musical accompaniment of Italy's national anthem was the
center of attention at a court hearing here called to
determine whether the device was an offense to the nation.
The object was the work of two local artists and had been
on display at the Bolzano Museum of Modern Art until it was
impounded several days ago.
Lawyers for the museum argued that the object should not
have been seized because the anthem, while having patriotic
and sentimental value, was not an official symbol of the
nation.
The prosecution, on the other hand, presented excerpts
from speechs by former president Carlo Azeglio Ciampi who
highlighted the patriotic nature of the song.
The prosecution also cited a decree issued this year by
the ex-government of Silvio Berlusconi which defined the
national anthem as an emblem of the state.
The judge said he would make his ruling in the coming
days.