India urges citizens in Italy to avoid protest-hit areas and follow local news as clashes leave police officers injured…reports Asian Lite News Desk
The Embassy of India in Italy has advised Indian nationals in the country to exercise caution and avoid crowded areas amid protests and demonstrations reported in several Italian cities last week.
In an advisory issued on Monday, the embassy urged Indian citizens to stay away from locations where protests were taking place and follow local news for updates on 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 on X.
The advisory comes amid reports of clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement personnel in several Italian cities, prompting Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to condemn violence and call on opposition parties to take a clear stand against unrest.
On Sunday, Meloni expressed solidarity with law enforcement officers, accusing organised groups of exploiting demonstrations to provoke confrontations and create disorder.
“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,” she stated on X.
Meloni thanked officers for their efforts to protect residents, workers, business owners and others affected by the disturbances.
She said people had the right to live in their cities without fear or the threat of violence, adding that law enforcement personnel were working to safeguard public safety.
Her remarks followed demonstrations on Saturday, when she acknowledged the right of people to protest peacefully while condemning acts of violence.
Meloni said she respected the thousands who had taken part in peaceful demonstrations, including those involved in a mobilisation organised by the Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL), which also attracted left-wing political leaders.
“Whatever the ideas for which one demonstrates, participation is the foundation of any healthy democracy,” she said.
However, she highlighted incidents involving clashes and damage in Milan, Turin and Bologna.
According to Meloni, stones were thrown at law enforcement officers in Milan, leaving some personnel injured. In Turin, she said, people were stopped while carrying cobblestones and hammers used for breaking windows.
In Bologna, disturbances prompted the precautionary closure of the railway station, she added.
Meloni accused groups of using demonstrations as an opportunity to attack security personnel and disrupt daily life in cities.
“Thugs who exploit demonstrations to sow chaos, attack those who ensure security, and hold entire cities hostage,” she said.
Emphasising the distinction between peaceful protest and violence, she added: “Demonstrating is a right. Setting our cities ablaze is not.”
The Italian prime minister also renewed her appeal to opposition parties to condemn the violence without ambiguity and urge demonstrators to remain peaceful.
She said opposition leaders should make their position clear, arguing that condemnation of violence should be shared across the political spectrum.
“In the face of scenes like these, the rejection must be unanimous. Any hesitation becomes justification. Silence is not acceptable,” Meloni said.
The Indian embassy did not specify particular cities or locations that Indian nationals should avoid, but advised citizens to remain alert and monitor local developments.
Indian nationals in Italy have been urged to exercise caution when travelling near demonstrations and follow instructions issued by local authorities.
