This the moment an Italian mayor dances on a roof terrace with several other people during a COVID-19 lockdown part and ends up being fined for not respecting social distancing measures.
Gaetano Scullino, the mayor of Ventimiglia in the north-western Italian region of Liguria, was reportedly fined 400 EUR (352 GBP) for failing to respect social distancing measures and lowering his face mask to make a speech during the terrace party on Sunday, according to reports.
In the footage, the mayor is filmed dancing with local resident Franca Buonadonna, who has been hosting parties and sharing videos to protest the “dictatorship” of the COVID-19 lockdown.
The Italian police confirmed that the fine has already been paid and that it was reduced to 280 EUR (246 GBP) as it was dealt with in the first 30 days of issue.
Credit: CEN/Franca Bonadonna
The mayor apologised for his actions and told local media: “I was called over about a sewer problem and was then invited in for coffee.
He added that he was convinced by Buonadonna to stay for the lockdown party she was holding.
Buonadonna told CEN that she was also fined for the incident and that she will also pay it off early for the discounted rate.
She explained that she holds lockdown parties to entertain her neighbours and that she invited the mayor along on this occasion.
Buonadonna told CEN: “He is a mayor who represents everyone here. He has been working with COVID-19 patients and those dying of the virus.
“I called him because we feel that our president (Sergio Mattarella) has abandoned us and so he could be part of this with us.
Gaetano Scullino (with facemask and gloves) dancing in the terrace of Franca Bonadonna 
Gaetano Scullino (with facemask and gloves) dancing in the terrace of Franca Bonadonna
“We are only human after all. He apologised and so did I, however, he was also criticised by the right-wing opposition.”
She added that the mayor has received online abuse as a consequence of attending the party.
Buonadonna told CEN: “We both made a mistake and we apologised.”
She also revealed that she has had to close her hair salon because “all our savings have been spent on the lockdown”.
Buonadonna said that she has been holding protests against the government from her terrace because “this is a dictatorship”.
According to the latest figures from the Johns Hopkins University, Italy has registered 210,717 cases of COVID-19 and 28,884 related deaths.
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Story By: Ana Lacasa, Sub-Editor: Michael Leidig, Agency: Newsflash
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