Italian Police Kiss Photo Sees Nina De Chiffre 'Accused Of Sexual Assault'

Taking The Kiss?

It was a photo hailed as a symbol of peaceful protest.

But the picture of a young Italian woman kissing the helmet visor of a riot officer might have landed her in trouble.

Italy's police union says it wants student Nina De Chiffre prosecuted for "sexual violence", saying her actions should not be tolerated.

A heartwarming image or 'sexual violence'?

Union official Franco Maccari confirmed he expected an investigation to be launched after the complaint was lodged.

She has also said to have been reported for contempt.

"If the policeman had kissed her, world war three would have broken out," the Telegraph reporting him saying.

"Or what if I had patted her on the behind? She would have been outraged.

"So if she does that to a man on duty, should it be tolerated?"

De Chiffre's gesture, which went viral, came during demonstrations against a high-speed rail link with France.

To be fair, 20-year-old De Chiffre did not sound conciliatory in comments posted on her Facebook page.

"No peace message," she wrote.

"I would hang all these disgusting pigs upside down."

She claimed she had witnessed a fellow protester being beaten by police.

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