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Morrissey claims he was harassed by an Italian police officer in a ‘deliberate act of terror’

When in Italy, Morrissey is gonna need someone on his side.

The former Smiths frontman claims he was harassed by a police officer in Rome, calling the incident a “deliberate act of terror” on Facebook. News of the situation was relayed early this morning (July 5) by Morrissey’s nephew, photographer Sam Esty Rayner, with a photo included of the suspected officer.

Rayner writes Mozzer was “terrorized” for 35 minutes as the officer, with his hand on his gun, demanded to see his “papers.” The alleged incident happened on Via del Corso outside of a Nike store, and drew a crowd of roughly 100 onlookers.

Here’s Morrissey’s take, from Rayner’s post: “This was a deliberate act of terror by this Officer, who had no personal identification, but whose Polizia 113 motor-bike had the plate G2458. I had not broken the law or acted suspiciously. The officer unlocked his gun and held it as he screamed into my face. Some people came to my rescue. This happened outside the Nike store, and many people filmed the obviously insane officer. I believe he recognized me and wanted to frighten me. I did not back down even though I believed he was about to shoot me. I urge people to beware of this dangerously aggressive Officer. He might kill you.”

The incident was diffused as Morrissey walked away, Rayner writes, with the officer not following the singer. Read the full post below:

[h/t NME]