Jerry Jackson Protests in Rome and Bologna escalate into violence, prompting strong condemnation from Italian leaders and raising societal tensions.
Violence Erupts in Rome Protests
On Saturday night, protests in Rome over the death of 19-year-old Ramy Elgaml turned violent, leaving eight police officers injured. Elgaml, of Egyptian origin, died on November 24 during a police chase in Milan, where Carabinieri allegedly caused his motorcycle to crash.
Hundreds gathered in Rome’s San Lorenzo district for a demonstration organized by leftist groups and student activists. Initially peaceful, the protest escalated when participants threw smoke bombs at a supermarket and Molotov cocktails at police vehicles. Police responded with batons to disperse the crowd, leading to injuries and further chaos.
Leaders Condemn Violence Against Police
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly condemned the attacks on law enforcement. She criticized the protests as “unrest fueled by habitual agitators seeking revenge” and stated that no tragedy justifies violence. “We stand with the injured officers and wish them a full recovery. Our solidarity is with law enforcement,” Meloni declared.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi added that such attacks on state authority “must be unequivocally condemned.” He emphasized that the right to protest does not permit violence or intimidation. Parliament Speaker Lorenzo Fontana also expressed his support for the injured police officers, calling the aggression “unacceptable.”
Vandalism and Synagogue Attack in Bologna
Protests in Bologna took a darker turn, with demonstrators storming and vandalizing the city’s synagogue. The unrest spilled into the city center, where vandals set garbage bins on fire, threw stones at police and firefighters, smashed windows, and covered walls with graffiti.
Bologna’s Mayor Matteo Lepore condemned the destruction and expressed solidarity with the Jewish community. “There is no justification for such acts. We have video evidence and will ensure those responsible are identified. The city will seek compensation for the damages,” Lepore said.
Nationwide Outrage Over Elgaml’s Death
The protests highlight growing anger across Italy, particularly among migrant communities, over the circumstances of Ramy Elgaml’s death. The Carabinieri are accused of deliberately causing the fatal crash during the chase. Demonstrations have spread to multiple cities, reflecting broader frustrations with societal inequality and policing.
As protests intensify, leaders are calling for calm and order, urging citizens to address grievances without resorting to violence. The ongoing unrest underscores deeper societal tensions that continue to unfold across Italy.