23 Jun 2017 | 02:02 PM UTC
Italy: Anti-immigration protest in Rome June 24
Anti-immigration protest planned in Rome on June 24; avoid all protests
Event
On Saturday, June 24, an anti-immigration protest will be held by the nationalist CasaPound Italy (CPI) movement. The march will begin at 16:00 (local time) on Via Napoleone III and will proceed along Via Merulana and Via Labicana to Oppian Hill.
Context
Italy, due to its geographical position, is one of the European countries that receives the most immigrants at its borders, along with Spain and Greece. As migrants continue to arrive in the country, tensions between the government and far-right groups continue to rise. CPI, an Italian far-right, fascist, and anti-democratic organization, is very active at disseminating ideas via social media and community outreach (housing programs, legal counseling, sports clubs). The group has opened numerous bookshops, bar, restaurants, and online radio and TV stations.
On June 15, a similar protest in Rome led to clashes between protesters and the police outside the Senate building. Rome is commonly the site of political demonstrations and protests from groups across the political spectrum.
Advice
Individuals present in Rome are advised to avoid all protests and remain vigilant.