ITALY FACES NATIONWIDE PROTEST ON GREEN PASS RULE

Protesters erupted in widespread violence in response to the decision to make the Covid Green Pass mandatory throughout the country. Hundreds of protestors went to the streets in cities across Italy, including Rome and Milan. Several police officers and protestors were injured.

Thousands of people flocked to the streets in response to Italy's new Covid-19 green pass regulation. The police and protesters fought in the streets, and many members of the far-right political group, Forza Nuova, were arrested.

People chanting "La gente come noi non molla mai!" (People like us never give up) during last week's protest.

Video Courtesy: RadioGenova

Although the people conducted peaceful protests, the police intervention led to more tension. Subsequently, police used tear gas and water cannon as violence in the heart of Rome escalated. Giuliano Castelliono, leader of the Forza Nouveau group, led a protest rally in the Piazza del Popolo and was arrested along with other party leaders. Angry protesters stormed the headquarters of CGIL, the country's largest trade union.

Meanwhile, Italian police said in a statement that protesters had turned on police and that 38 officers had been injured in the clashes. In several places, several people tried to break through barricades and police lines.

Videos have been circulating on social media of protesters throwing chairs in various offices and chanting slogans of 'freedom, liberty' in protest of the government's vaccine policy. Similarly, angry rioters invaded Prime Minister Mario Draghi's office and attempted to intimidate several police officers on duty.

Meanwhile, in response to the massive protests, the Prime Minister and numerous political and people's representatives came out. Prime Minister Mario Draghi condemned the protests and attacks on policemen and the trade union, saying trade unions will protect worker's rights and punish those who tried to attack union members.

The protests and attacks on labor unions were described by CGIL Secretary General Maurizio Landin as fascist hooliganism, an attack on democracy and the workplace. He also stated that no one should attempt to return our country to its Fascist history.

A resolution asking for the dissolution of organizations such as Forza Nuova, which promotes new radical fascist ideas, will be submitted in parliament, according to Emanuele Fiano, a senior Democratic Party (PD) legislator.

Health Minister Roberto said that the violence was unacceptable and that the decision would not be reversed. Foreign Minister Luigi de Mayo accused the protesters of being "not criminals" but criminals.

The protest was in protest of the government's decision to make green pass certificates mandatory for Italian workers, including locals, from October 15. Officials have warned that those who fail to produce a green pass at work in the public-private sector from the 15th will face unpaid suspension.

What exactly is the 'Green Pass' in Italy?

The government's new policy mandated that the green pass be required in the workplace whether you wanted to work for the government or a private company. The government has declared that any employee who does not have a green permit for employees recognized by unions and companies would be suspended without pay beginning October 15.

The Italian Prime Minister, Mario Draghi, has proposed a green pass policy to limit the spread of the virus this summer and to encourage people to be vaccinated. Even individuals who have only had one dosage of the immunization vaccination should also need to have a green pass. Moreover, the pass may be used to detect information indicating that a person is covid negative and has never been infected with the virus.

The new vaccine policy implemented by the Italian government applies to all persons, including visitors. The government guarantees that Italians with green permits, which are accessible both digitally and on paper, would be able to attend any public location.

The country has also approved the reopening of cinemas, theatres, and discos. However, there have been rumors that several teachers have quit since school personnel must also produce a pass.

The crucial point to note here is that the government is not planning to provide a full vaccine against the corona virus, which is why people are objecting. Instead, the government favors a green card that can detect whether or not a person has ever been covid-infected or whether a covid's test result is negative.

Protests are being organized by those who claim that the government's law violates employees' freedom and civil rights. At the same time, the government claims that the action is intended to prevent the Delta variant of the corona virus.