Indian Embassy in Italy Advises Nationals to Exercise Caution Amid Protests and Demonstrations

The Embassy of India in Italy on Monday issued an advisory urging Indian nationals in the country to exercise caution, avoid crowded areas and stay away from locations where protests and demonstrations are taking place.

“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 in a post on X.

The advisory came amid reports of clashes and violence during demonstrations in several Italian cities. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Sunday said law enforcement personnel had faced violence from individuals and organised groups 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 said on X.

She expressed solidarity with the personnel, thanking them for protecting citizens, workers, merchants and others who had the right to live in their cities without fear or violence.

On Saturday, Meloni had expressed respect for people who participated in peaceful demonstrations while urging opposition parties to condemn acts of violence.

“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.

Meloni also described incidents reported in Milan, Turin and Bologna. She said stones had been 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 led to the precautionary closure of the railway station.

Condemning those responsible for the violence, Meloni said, “Thugs who exploit demonstrations to sow chaos, attack those who ensure security, and hold entire cities hostage.”

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

Meloni also urged opposition parties to unequivocally condemn violence and call for peaceful demonstrations, saying that rejection of such acts should be unanimous.

The Indian Embassy’s advisory urged nationals to remain alert, avoid protest sites and crowded areas, and monitor local news for updates on demonstrations and related developments.