Rome on Alert for Dual Protests: Far-Left and Far-Right Rallies to Converge
Rome, February 21st – The city of Rome is bracing for a day of heightened security as two opposing demonstrations are scheduled to take place this afternoon. While geographically separate, the rallies will bring together groups with starkly different ideologies, prompting maximum attention from the Questura (police headquarters). The first protest, organized by social centers, will commemorate Valerio Verbano in Montesacro, while the second, led by National Youth, will honor Quentin Deranque in the city center.
Valerio Verbano Memorial: A March Through Montesacro
The memorial for Valerio Verbano, an 18-year-old student and activist of Autonomia Operaia, who was assassinated on February 22, 1980, by an unknown neo-fascist commando, is an annual event. Hundreds of demonstrators are expected to participate in a procession starting at 4:00 PM from Via Monte Bianco, where Verbano lived with his parents. The route will then proceed through Viale Pantelleria, Piazza Capri, Viale Tirreno, Via delle Isole Curzolane, Via Capraia, and Viale Jonio, before returning to the starting point. Traffic diversions and public transport disruptions are anticipated along the procession route.
Valerio Verbano’s parents were reportedly held hostage in their home before his return, preceding his tragic murder. The case remains a poignant reminder of political violence in Italy.
Quentin Deranque Commemoration: A Gathering Near the French Embassy
Concurrently, an initiative organized by Gioventù Nazionale, the youth movement of Fratelli d’Italia (Brothers of Italy), will take place at 4:30 PM in the city center, between Largo di Torre Argentina and Piazza Farnese, in front of the French Embassy. This gathering is in remembrance of Quentin Deranque, a 23-year-old mathematics student and nationalist activist, who was recently attacked and killed by masked far-left militants in Lyon, France. Five individuals have been apprehended by the police in connection with Deranque’s death.
The incident in Lyon has sparked a political controversy between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and French President Emmanuel Macron. Approximately 400 demonstrators are expected to participate in the Rome event, marching without party symbols through Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Via dei Baullari. Law enforcement agencies are maintaining maximum vigilance.
Security Measures and Anticipated Impact
Despite the two demonstrations being held in different and distant locations, the Questura is exercising extreme caution to prevent any potential clashes or public order disturbances. The police have implemented comprehensive security measures, including increased patrols and monitoring of key areas. The presence of opposing ideological groups, even if separated, necessitates a proactive approach to maintain peace and order.
In addition to the protests, Rome is also preparing for an ecological Sunday tomorrow and Chinese New Year celebrations in Esquilino.
Recent Developments and Related Events
The Valerio Verbano memorial follows recent news of a mural by Jorit dedicated to him in Tufello. The tragic events surrounding Deranque’s death in Lyon have also led to the evacuation of a Mélenchon party office in France and a strong condemnation from the French Interior Ministry, labeling France insoumise as ‘far-left’. The controversy between Macron and Meloni highlights the sensitive political climate surrounding such incidents.
Further details regarding the investigations into Deranque’s death indicate the arrest of two collaborators of a Mélenchon deputy. Deranque himself was described as a far-right activist with neo-fascist connections, who also volunteered in his parish and distributed meals to the poor.
These events underscore the ongoing political tensions and ideological divides within Europe, with Rome becoming a focal point for expressions of both far-left and far-right sentiments.
