ROME

A security councilor from the northern Voghera municipality was arrested Wednesday for killing a Moroccan immigrant.

Massimo Adriatici, a lawyer and member of the right-wing League Party, known for anti-immigration and anti-Islam rhetoric, killed the 39-year-old immigrant late Tuesday.

When he was initially questioned, Adriatici reportedly said he was pushed to the ground by the victim and the gun accidentally went off.

Allegation of self-defense

The League Party, led by Matteo Salvini, claimed in a statement that Adriatici acted in self-defense.

It alleged that Adriatici came to the defense of a young girl who was being harassed by a Morrocan man.

The statement also highlighted that Adriatici is a former police officer and teaches criminal law at the police academy.

Italy's center-left Democratic Party, however, has demanded that the League Party condemn the actions of the councilor.

*Writing by Seda Sevencan​​​​​​​