India Advises Nationals in Italy to Avoid Crowded Areas Amid Protests

• India issues safety advisory for nationals in Italy
• Embassy urges Indians to avoid protest locations
• Meloni condemns violence against law enforcement personnel
• Italian PM calls for peaceful demonstrations and unity

GG News Bureau
Rome, 19th Oct: The Embassy of India in Italy on Monday issued an advisory for Indian nationals in the country, urging them to exercise caution, avoid crowded areas and stay away from locations where protests and demonstrations are taking place.

In a statement posted on X, the Embassy said protests and demonstrations had taken place in several Italian cities during the previous week and advised Indian nationals to remain alert and follow local news for updates.

“There were protests and demonstrations last week in some Italian cities. We advise Indian nationals to exercise caution, avoid crowded areas and locations where protests are taking place and follow local news about such events,” the Embassy stated.

The advisory comes amid concerns over violent incidents reported during demonstrations in parts of Italy, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressing support for law enforcement personnel and urging political leaders to condemn violence.

Meloni Expresses Solidarity with Law Enforcement Forces
On Sunday, Meloni said law enforcement personnel had faced violence from individuals and organised groups allegedly exploiting demonstrations to provoke confrontations and create disorder.

“Once again, the women and men of the law enforcement forces have had to face the violence of criminals who, even through organised groups, exploit demonstrations to seek confrontation and sow chaos,” Meloni stated on X.

Expressing solidarity with the officers, she thanked them for protecting citizens, workers, merchants and others who, she said, had the right to live in their cities without fear.

“To all of them goes my full solidarity and sincere thanks. Because they were there to safeguard the safety of citizens, workers, merchants, and all the people who have the right to live their city without fear and without seeing it laid to waste and set ablaze by gangs of thugs. We stand with you,” she added.

Protests and Violence Reported in Several Cities
On Saturday, Meloni expressed respect for people who participated peacefully in demonstrations, including those who joined a mobilisation called by the Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL), which also saw the participation of left-wing leaders.

“I have great respect for the thousands of people who today demonstrated peacefully, including those who took part in the mobilisation called by the CGIL, which also saw the participation of left-wing leaders. Whatever the ideas for which one demonstrates, participation is the foundation of any healthy democracy,” she said.

However, Meloni also described incidents of violence and disruption reported in several cities during the demonstrations.

She said stones were thrown at law enforcement personnel in Milan, leaving officers injured. In Turin, she said, people were stopped while carrying cobblestones and hammers used for breaking windows. In Bologna, disturbances prompted the precautionary closure of the railway station.

Describing those involved in the violence as people exploiting demonstrations to create chaos, attack security personnel and disrupt city life, Meloni said peaceful protest must remain distinct from violent acts.

“Demonstrating is a right. Setting our cities ablaze is not,” she emphasised.

Italian PM Urges Opposition to Condemn Violence
Meloni renewed her appeal to opposition parties to clearly condemn acts of violence and call for peaceful demonstrations.

“I renew my request to the opposition: do not be ambiguous about this. Unequivocally condemn these acts of violence and issue a clear appeal for every mobilisation to be peaceful. In the face of scenes like these, the rejection must be unanimous. Any hesitation becomes justification. Silence is not acceptable,” she said.

The Indian Embassy’s advisory asks Indian nationals to exercise caution, avoid crowded areas and locations where demonstrations are underway, and monitor local news for developments.