Death stokes fears of Italy neo-Nazism

ROME, May 7 (UPI) -- Opposition leaders in Italy are warning that violent ultra-rightist groups may be on the rise, following an alleged killing by skinheads last weekend.

Five youths arrested in the incident in Verona have been identified as soccer hooligans -- and possibly members of a gang that has carried out racially motivated attacks recently.

"There are many of these gangs, and they are all the more dangerous in a cultural and political climate which emphasizes intolerance and hatred towards the weak," said opposition leader Walter Veltroni.

Britain's Telegraph noted Wednesday that Verona's mayor belongs to the Northern League, a far-right party known for its staunch anti-immigrant views.

Rightist politicians have denounced violence and played down the significance of the Verona attack and similar incidents but the Telegraph said Italian authorities have identified more than 60 ultra-right and neo-Nazi groups in the Verona area.