Anarchist Protest in Rome Turns Violent: Police Officer Injured, Journalists Attacked
Rome, April 19 – A protest organized by anarchist groups in Rome on Saturday evening escalated into violence, leading to a police officer being injured and journalists facing aggression. The demonstration, held in solidarity with Alfredo Cospito, saw approximately 200 activists march from San Lorenzo to Pigneto.
Police Officer Struck by Bottle, Investigations Underway
During the march along Via Prenestina, near Scalo San Lorenzo, Francesco Romano, deputy head of the Digos (Italy’s anti-terrorism and political police), was struck in the head by a bottle. The object was reportedly thrown from the left side of the procession, with the perpetrator concealed by other demonstrators and behind the main banner. Romano sustained a cut to his forehead and was subsequently taken to Umberto I Polyclinic for treatment. Investigations are currently underway to identify the individual responsible for the assault.
Premier Meloni and Interior Minister Piantedosi Condemn Violence
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her solidarity with the injured officer via social media, stating, “I express my solidarity and closeness to the State Police officer injured by a glass bottle thrown during the anarchist protest in solidarity with Alfredo Cospito. To those who think they can intimidate the State with violence, we say one simple thing: you will not succeed. The Government stands with the Police Forces and will not back down an inch in the face of those who sow violence, chaos, and fear.”
On Sunday morning, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi personally called Romano to convey his support. Piantedosi stated, “I spoke with Romano on the phone. I expressed my full solidarity and closeness to him, along with the deep consideration I have for him and for all those who, like him, silently carry out their duty every day with dedication and a sense of responsibility, on the front line to guarantee the safety and freedom of citizens and respect for the law.” The Minister also announced his intention to invite Romano to the Viminale to meet him in person and reiterate his appreciation on behalf of himself and the government for his professionalism and courage.
Protest for Alfredo Cospito and Past Incidents
The protest, which began at 6:00 PM in a square heavily guarded by law enforcement, featured banners and slogans in support of Alfredo Cospito. Cospito is a prominent figure in Italian and international anarchist movements, and there are ongoing discussions about potentially extending his strict 41 bis prison regime. The demonstration also recalled Sara Ardizzone and Alessandro Mercogliano, who died on March 19 while allegedly assembling a bomb at Parco degli Acquedotti, intended for a nearby target, possibly the Tuscolano Police Station. This incident, which tragically failed, was seen by analysts as a potential precursor to a new campaign in favor of Cospito.
Confrontation with Journalists Preceded the Attack
Initially, the sit-in was not pre-notified to the Questura. However, in the late afternoon, the organizers requested and obtained permission from public order officials to march towards Piazza Nuccetelli in Pigneto. The approximately 200 activists, who had arrived from various parts of Italy, were joined by several dozen students and pro-Palestinian activists. As they moved towards the Tangenziale Est, a heated exchange of insults occurred between demonstrators and the journalists and photographers present, leading to the bottle being thrown from the rear of the procession, hitting the police officer who was at the front of the march.
Ongoing Investigations and Previous Incidents
Authorities are continuing their investigations to identify the individual responsible for injuring the police officer. This incident follows a series of similar occurrences involving anarchist groups. In recent months, there have been other reports of aggression against media personnel during anarchist demonstrations in Rome, including an incident where a Rai crew was attacked, a journalist was threatened, and a microphone was thrown to the ground.
The event underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding anarchist movements in Italy and the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing such protests while ensuring public safety and the rights of journalists.
Source: https://roma.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_aprile_19/roma-anarchici-al-corteo-di-san-lorenzo-bottiglie-contro-i-giornalisti-funzionario-della-polizia-colpito-alla-testa-79375599-5e28-41bf-a263-23788cc96xlk.shtml
