Italy's Osaka consul recalled over fascist rock band links

Mario Vattani, 45, was captured on video at a rally organised by Casa Pound, an extremist right-wing group, in Rome in May. Casa Pound has gained notoriety in Italy since one of its members shot dead two Senegalese street vendors in Florence in December before turning the gun on himself.

The diplomat was filmed with his sleeves rolled up to reveal tattoos as he fronted his band, Sotto Fascia Semplice (Under a Simple Fascist Banner.)

He was also filmed praising the "bandiera near," the black flag symbol that is a notorious fascist symbol, and giving the stiff-arm fascist salute.

"Mr Vattani is in Rome and we do not know when he will be back," said a spokesman for the Italian Consul General in Osaka. "We do not have any information other than what we see in the news and we are waiting to hear more."

The Italian Foreign Ministry in Rome has refused to comment on reports that Mr Vattani has been summoned to appear before a disciplinary hearing.