Daijiworld Media Network - Rome
Rome, Oct 19: The Embassy of India in Italy on Monday issued an advisory for Indian nationals in the country, urging them to exercise caution and avoid crowded areas amid ongoing protests and demonstrations.
“There were protests and demonstrations last week in some Italian cities. We advise Indian nationals to exercise caution, avoid crowded areas and locations where protests are taking place and follow local news about such events,” the Embassy stated in a post on X.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Sunday said law enforcement personnel were facing violence from individuals exploiting demonstrations through organised groups.
“Once again, the women and men of the law enforcement forces have had to face the violence of criminals who, even through organised groups, exploit demonstrations to seek confrontation and sow chaos,” Meloni stated on X.
Expressing solidarity with the security personnel, she said they were safeguarding the safety of citizens, workers, merchants and others who had the right to live in their cities without fear or the threat of destruction and arson by violent groups.
“To all of them goes my full solidarity and sincere thanks. Because they were there to safeguard the safety of citizens, workers, merchants, and all the people who have the right to live their city without fear and without seeing it laid to waste and set ablaze by gangs of thugs. We stand with you,” she added.
On Saturday, Meloni expressed respect for those who had demonstrated peacefully while urging opposition parties to condemn acts of violence.
“I have great respect for the thousands of people who today demonstrated peacefully, including those who took part in the mobilisation called by the CGIL, which also saw the participation of left-wing leaders. Whatever the ideas for which one demonstrates, participation is the foundation of any healthy democracy,” she said.
Meloni said stones were thrown at law enforcement personnel in Milan, leaving officers injured. In Turin, people were stopped while carrying cobblestones and hammers used for breaking windows, while disturbances in Bologna prompted the precautionary closure of the railway station.
“Thugs who exploit demonstrations to sow chaos, attack those who ensure security, and hold entire cities hostage,” she said.
“Demonstrating is a right. Setting our cities ablaze is not,” Meloni emphasised.
She renewed her appeal to opposition parties to unequivocally condemn the violence and call for peaceful demonstrations.
“I renew my request to the opposition: do not be ambiguous about this. Unequivocally condemn these acts of violence and issue a clear appeal for every mobilisation to be peaceful. In the face of scenes like these, the rejection must be unanimous. Any hesitation becomes justification. Silence is not acceptable,” she said.