Italy's equality minister has threatened several people who proposed that children suffering from Down's syndrome can be used for target practice on Italian Facebook site.

The page displayed a baby with Down's with ‘imbecile’ on its forehead. The page said that ‘easy and amusing solution for ridding the world of these foul creatures was by using them as target practice.

Equality Minister Mara Carfagna said, "Italy will not tolerate incidents of discrimination of any sort, let alone against the disabled. Those responsible for creating this madness will be prosecuted by the law."

Down's syndrome occurs in one out of 700 live birth and is the most common genetic cause of mental retardation.

According to the minister, those who set up the page are being tracked down by the cops. They could face an imprisonment for four-and-a-half years for incitement to committing a crime.

The page drew widespread criticism from politicians and disability support groups.

The Italian Down's Syndrome Association informed that there are an estimated 38,000 people with Down's in the country.