Bagnoli Protesters Allege Three Injured in Clashes with Police, New Demonstration Planned
Naples, March 4 – Three protesters were reportedly injured during clashes with police at a demonstration in Bagnoli on Tuesday afternoon, according to a network of committees, associations, and citizens opposing the America’s Cup works. The allegations were made during an assembly held yesterday at the Municipal Building on Via Acate. The injured include a worker, a teacher, and a young man. A video has emerged showing the violent apprehension of one of the demonstrators.
Violent Clashes and Allegations of Police Brutality
The protest on Tuesday afternoon occurred during a special city council meeting on Bagnoli, which took place at the Municipal Building. Activists attempted to breach barricades placed approximately 50 meters from the council building, leading to skirmishes with police. While the Questura (police headquarters) reported that one officer was injured during the clashes, the protesters claim three of their own were hurt.
During yesterday’s assembly, activists presented footage related to the arrest of a young Bagnoli resident named Francesco, who was later released on Tuesday evening. The video reportedly shows an plainclothes police officer kicking the young man between the leg and hip as he stood near the police cordon, seemingly pushing him back. Another plainclothes officer then appears from behind and drags the young man across the cordon.
Protesters’ Demands and Future Actions
The Municipal Building, which was briefly occupied by protesters, displayed various banners with slogans such as: “Bagnoli is not for sale,” “False reclamation, false participation, in Bagnoli the inhabitants decide,” and “Our Cup is the reclamation, away with the toxic landfill.”
The protest organizers emphasized, “Dialogue is not conducted with convenient associations, councillors, and friends, but with citizens.” They announced a new protest initiative scheduled for March 8.
Ongoing Controversy Surrounding America’s Cup Works
The ongoing dispute centers on the America’s Cup works in Bagnoli, with activists raising concerns about environmental impact and lack of public participation in decision-making. Mayor Manfredi has previously stated that the America’s Cup will facilitate immediate offshore reclamation, rather than waiting until 2030.
Previous incidents related to the Bagnoli works include tensions before a city council meeting where activists broke through barricades, resulting in an officer’s injury and one arrest. Concerns have also been raised about fine dust pollution in Bagnoli, with an alarm published by the Journal of Geochemical Exploration. Furthermore, two investigations have been launched into the works, with magistrates conducting an inspection of the construction site. Activists have also previously blocked trucks heading to the America’s Cup construction site.
Sub-commissioner Falconio, addressing concerns about fine dust and the possibility of halting works, attributed the issue to a “sub-Saharan disturbance” and stated that work could not be stopped.
The situation in Bagnoli remains tense as protesters continue to voice their opposition to the America’s Cup works and demand greater transparency and citizen involvement in the area’s development.
