Magdi Allam, a Christian convert to Islam who has been targeted with death threats over apostasy, has expressed concern about these dangers and the fear that the perpetrators may be Italian. Allam’s fears were expressed concerning the large number of al-Qaeda inspired websites popping up on the internet, and the belief that some websites are created and maintained by Italians. He also said that persons responsible for death threats against him may be converts to Islam, or Muslim immigrants who have been Italianised – noting the significance of a cultural blend. Allam also stated that Italy should be on a high alert, because such persons may be terrorists and Italian citizens “who could be our neighbours”, who risk being ignored until there is a “tragic accident which forces us to open our eyes”.
