Italy expelled Moldovan artist “Bratan”, accused of blocking a motorway to film a music video

Italy expelled Moldovan trap artist Nicolae Novacenko, known by his stage name “Bratan”, after he allegedly blocked a motorway near the city of Milan to film a music video. The decision was announced on Sunday by Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, who cited a threat to public security.

The incident occurred in September. According to Italian authorities and local media, the 32-year-old musician allegedly rode along the motorway on a motorcycle, accompanied by approximately 30 people. The moment was filmed, and the video was later published on his Instagram page.

The Italian minister said that the artist’s residence permit had been revoked and that he had been placed on the first flight to the Republic of Moldova, his country of origin. Novacenko had lived in Italy since the age of 17.

The case comes amid a political context in which the government led by Giorgia Meloni has toughened its rhetoric on security and immigration ahead of the 2027 legislative elections. The government is also facing the rise of the far-right Futuro Nazionale party, led by former General Roberto Vannacci.