A right-wing Italian group has been accused of trying to "hijack republican symbols" and "warp history" after opening a members' club named after and mirroring many of the famous features of Londonderry's Bogside.

Casaggi Firenze's Bogside Pub, on Via Frusa in Florence, is decorated in many of the iconic murals from the city's Bogside, including the gas masked youth, a painting of Bobby Sands and a depiction of Free Derry Corner.

Casaggi, which is described as a "right-wing social centre" and "militant community" has been in operation in Florence since 2005.

The Casaggi community "offers self-defence courses, student repetitions, commercial and legal assistance, cultural education, graphic and painting courses, cooking and first aid".

The new Bogside Pub has opened in the group's premises in the centre of Florence and joins a bookstore, musical projects, gardens and a "university".

Anti-racism campaigner Davy McAuley said that the group needed to "take a history lesson".

"I suggest these people learn their history," he said. "Learn about civil rights movements in Ireland and across the world. They would learn it is diametrically opposed to the kind of hatred, right-wing populism and nationalism that they espouse.

"There is anger and incredulity that these symbols - that are obviously of the left and are about popular resistance to imperialism, to struggle for equality, for liberation - are being warped by these people who want to exclude migrants and return Italy to the days of Mussolini.

"It is such a warped contrast that people are shaking their heads, it is a very hard thing to fathom. People are absolutely disgusted by this."

Derry republican and independent councillor Gary Donnelly slammed the group for attempting to "hijack republican images" and called for the pub to be closed down.

Casaggi has said that the centre has been at the forefront of organising "demonstrations, parades, debates, events, voluntary work, sports courses and study groups".

On their social media platforms the Bogside Pub is described as "taking its name from the district of Derry, republican outpost in Northern Ireland, theatre of Bloody Sunday and fulcrum of anti-British resistance".

It adds: "A choice for nothing random, which refers to the principle of self-determination of peoples, where the strong taste of Guinness marries the thick smoke of the barricades, engaging the profile of a rebellion founded on the defence of its identity.

"But the Bogside Pub is much more than a good excuse to get a pint. It's the pure air of camaraderie and the sharing of dreams, the free spirit and the perfect tune of the community, the 'goliardia' and the music, old stories and new achievements.

"It's a house and a shelter, where to find and recognize, where to confront and enjoy, where to be themselves and toast to victory."

Casaggi Firenzi was contacted for comment but requests for an interview went unanswered.

Belfast Telegraph