Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violent clashes in Rome on social media. They followed protests over the death of Ramy, a young Egyptian who died during a police chase in Milan.
“Between firecrackers, smoke bombs, and attacks, we witnessed another despicable episode of chaos caused by troublemakers. These individuals did not protest for a cause but acted out of vengeance,” wrote Meloni. She extended solidarity to the injured police officers and wished them a speedy recovery.
Violent Protests and Widespread Damage
The protests in Rome, over the death of Ramy, led to clashes between demonstrators and police, with eight officers injured. Police deployed charges to protect their forces, as protesters threw paper bombs, smoke bombs, and other objects. The unrest spread to Bologna, where the Synagogue of Bologna was vandalised. Mayor Matteo Lepore condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the Jewish community.
Scenes of vandalism and destruction were reported in several areas of Bologna’s historic centre. President of the Senate Ignazio La Russa called the violence “unacceptable,” stating, “No justification or tolerance is admissible for these episodes, which continue with worrying regularity.”
Reactions from Officials
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi urged unequivocal condemnation of the attacks on police, stressing the professionalism and dedication of Italy’s law enforcement. “These attacks demonstrate the existence of organised groups exploiting tragedies like Ramy’s death to incite violence,” he stated.
Piantedosi highlighted the importance of respecting police authority and warned against justifying dangerous behaviour like evading checkpoints or confronting officers. “Such actions threaten public safety and undermine civil coexistence,” he said, adding that perpetrators would be prosecuted with determination.
Fratelli d’Italia’s group leader in the Chamber of Deputies, Galeazzo Bignami, expressed solidarity with law enforcement and condemned the protests, describing the demonstrators as “riotous hooligans.” He called for all political forces to distance themselves from these behaviours.
