Under the mantle of the protest against Corona measures in Italy, those unwilling to vaccinate and rights are causing chaotic conditions in Rome.
Rome – For demonstrations against the so-called “Green Pass” *, i.e. mandatory proof of vaccination or immunity against the coronavirus * or, alternatively, a negative test result for many areas of public life in Italy, it is closed on Saturday (09.10.2021) Riots have come. Some demonstrators, including well-known right-wing extremists, engaged in street fights with the police and stormed a union building.
The emergency services used tear gas, batons and water cannons during the riots in the capital of Italy and arrested twelve rioters by Sunday noon. Among those arrested were the two leaders of the right-wing extremist Forza Nuova party, Giuliano Castellino and Roberto Fiore. President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Mario Draghi condemned the violence, the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera described the riots as an “urban guerrilla of those who oppose vaccination”.
Riot in Italy: People demonstrate against the “Green Passport” and Corona policy
Rioters stormed the headquarters of the CGIL union. Among other things, three carabinieri were injured in the attack and numerous security guards were attacked with sticks and flagpoles. Union leader Maurizio Landini spoke of an act of “fascist violence” and an “attack on the constitution”. He had previously addressed the rioters and emphasized: “Nobody should believe that they can push our country back into the fascist era.”
The reason for the escalated demonstration were new corona measures that will come into force in Italy next week. From Friday (October 15, 2021), employees in the private sector or in the public sector will need a so-called “green passport”, i.e. proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative test that has to be paid for. To this end, numerous relaxations will come into force in Italy from Monday (October 11th, 2021). Cinemas, theaters and concert halls are reopening at full capacity, and discos are starting up again. Here, too, entry is restricted to people who can show a “Green Pass”.
Thousands protest in Rome: demonstrations in Italy end with violence and arrests
Tens of thousands of people passed through Rome on Saturday to protest against this government decision. After an approved rally in Piazza del Popolo, protesters marched through the city center, repeatedly attempting to break through police barriers. Objects and bombs were thrown at the police. Some of the demonstrators reportedly tried to enter Prime Minister Draghi’s residence but were stopped by police water cannons. (ska / dpa)
Headline list image: © Cecilia Fabiano / dpa
