Serious riots broke out on Saturday afternoon at an unauthorized pro-Palestinian demonstration in Rome, attended by around 7,000 people. The result: 34 injuries – including 30 police officers – and four arrests.
Protesters threw stones, bottles and other objects at security forces. Some of them also attacked some photographers with batons and threw smoke bombs at journalists, two of whom were injured.
The police used tear gas
The security forces responded to the demonstrators with water jets and tear gas. At least four people were arrested. As part of extensive security measures in the Italian capital, around 1,600 people were checked and 19 of them were taken to police stations.
“The clashes took place as part of an event banned for public order reasons and into which groups of violent criminals and hooligans could easily infiltrate,” criticized Enzo Letizia, head of the National Association of Police Officers.
“These people caused clashes and tried to drag some protesters away. Their aim was to provoke and attack the police. “Once again the police had to deal with situations of high tension,” said Letizia.
The demo zone was heavily guarded
In Piazzale Ostiense, where demonstrators had gathered to protest, there were chants of “Free Palestine,” “Criminal Israel” and “Intifada now.” The area was heavily guarded and helicopters flew over the zone. Police officers, armored vehicles and water cannons were deployed at all entrances to the square.
Pro-Palestinian activists complained online that police tried to prevent protesters from attending the rally. “The police are preventing the buses from reaching the demonstration,” read online messages.
The police justified the ban on demonstrations with the need to ensure public order. The pro-Palestinian associations appealed the decision to an administrative court (TAR) in Rome, complaining of an “arbitrary decision with a political background.”
The associations had already indicated in advance that they would demonstrate on Saturday despite the ban. The administrative judge had already confirmed on Wednesday that the imposed ban on demonstrations was not unlawful.
Prime Minister Meloni condemned the riots
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the riots. “I express my full solidarity and that of the government with the police who have been insulted and attacked by self-proclaimed ‘protesters’ who use any pretext to express their absurd violence. “I thank the Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi, the Chief of Police and all the men and women who work every day for our security,” Meloni wrote on her social networks (see tweet above).
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
