Italy evicts Bannon-backed rightwing “boot camp” from monastery
Italy's culture ministry said it had evicted a would-be "gladiator school" for right-wing populists from a 13th-century Italian monastery, in a blow to former Trump advisor Steve Bannon.
Students from across the globe had been readying to learn how to "defend the West" at the far-right political boot camp run by the Dignitatis Humanae Institute (DHI) and funded by Bannon, ex-chief strategist for US President Donald Trump.
FOCUS: Trouble at Italy's 'Gladiator school' for far-right
The ministry said on Thursday that the DHI had falsely claimed to have the necessary requisites to take part in a tender to lease the monastery.
The institute had been given use of the site for 19 years in February 2018, but the ministry began proceedings to oust it earlier this year after allegations of misconduct.
Benjamin Harnwell, a close associate of Bannon, had been preparing to renovate parts of the former monastery, with its frescoed ceilings, Baroque chapel, library, and 18th-century pharmacy.
Benjamin Harnwell, Director of the Dignitatis Humanae Institute poses at the Trisulti Monastery in May 2019. Photo: Alberto Pizzoli/AFP
He had hoped to offer a small number of students the first three-week course later this year, and had been in the process of getting planning permission to put bathrooms in the monk cells, redo the sewer system and install Internet access.
Bannon, who since being ousted from the White House spends his days espousing right-wing populism in Europe, had pledged $1 million to the project.
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Students from across the globe had been readying to learn how to "defend the West" at the far-right political boot camp run by the Dignitatis Humanae Institute (DHI) and funded by Bannon, ex-chief strategist for US President Donald Trump.
FOCUS: Trouble at Italy's 'Gladiator school' for far-right
The ministry said on Thursday that the DHI had falsely claimed to have the necessary requisites to take part in a tender to lease the monastery.
The institute had been given use of the site for 19 years in February 2018, but the ministry began proceedings to oust it earlier this year after allegations of misconduct.
Benjamin Harnwell, a close associate of Bannon, had been preparing to renovate parts of the former monastery, with its frescoed ceilings, Baroque chapel, library, and 18th-century pharmacy.
Benjamin Harnwell, Director of the Dignitatis Humanae Institute poses at the Trisulti Monastery in May 2019. Photo: Alberto Pizzoli/AFP
He had hoped to offer a small number of students the first three-week course later this year, and had been in the process of getting planning permission to put bathrooms in the monk cells, redo the sewer system and install Internet access.
Bannon, who since being ousted from the White House spends his days espousing right-wing populism in Europe, had pledged $1 million to the project.
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