Italy: Activists to protest in central Rome Dec. 14

Activists denouncing recent government legislation plan to protest in central Rome Dec. 14. Participants will gather at Piazzale del Verano from 14:00 before beginning the march at 15:00. The route will pass by the following streets and squares before ending at Piazza del Popolo: Viale Regina Elena, Viale Regina Margherita, Via Salaria, Via Giovanni Pacini, Largo Amilcare Ponchielli, Via Ruggero Giovannelli, Via Pinciana, Piazzale Brasile, Via San Paolo del Brasile, Piazzale delle Canestre, Viale Fiorello La Guardia, Viale Washington and Piazzale Flaminio. Secondary protest march routes include one between Sapienza University and Piazzale del Verano, beginning at 14:00, as well as a protest march to Piazza dell'Indipendenza.

Local authorities have announced that they will deploy additional security to facilitate and monitor the event. Heightened security, road closures, and congestion will likely prompt localized transport disruptions. Clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out. The protest is likely to be well attended, with 25,000 people participating in a related protest on Dec. 13. The organizers have stated that they expect that up to 60,000 people may be present.