Eight people injured during anti-NATO march in Italy’s Naples: Reports
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Clashes erupted between anti-NATO and pro-Palestinian protesters and riot police officers in Naples.
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Protesters poured into the streets of Naples where some police vehicles were targeted by demonstrators on October 24, 2020. (AFP)
Eight people have been reportedly injured during clashes between police and demonstrators taking part in an anti-NATO march in the Italian city of Naples, Italian media reported.
According to the Corriere della Sera newspaper, demonstrators made an effort to breach police lines en route to the San Carlo opera house, where a concert commemorating the 75th anniversary of the alliance was scheduled.
The report also noted a pro-Palestinian procession along Naples' Via Toledo, featuring participants displaying banners opposing NATO.
Around 50 people tried to break through the police cordon, forcing law enforcement officials to respond with batons. Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian protesters occupied the premises of the University of Naples Federico II, demanding that NATO stop cooperating with "Israel", the newspaper reported.
"We consider it unacceptable that such a method of violence is used against those who loudly condemn the barbaric war and the participation of NATO and our governments in the genocide committed by the state of Israel. While people are dying in the Gaza Strip, in Naples they are breaking the heads of those who dare to disturb high officials who have closed for celebrations in theaters," the protest organizers were quoted as saying by the newspaper.
Late last month, mass group demonstrations took place on March 30 in several European countries as part of the weekly ongoing protests since the beginning of the Israeli war on Gaza. However, that week it coincided with Land Day.
The demonstrations showcased unprecedented high momentum and a wide scope across Europe, extending to many cities, including London, Paris, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Aarhus, Oslo, and others.
