Brescia police deny allegations of brutality

(ANSA) - ROME, JAN 14 - The central police department of Brescia on Tuesday denied allegations of police brutality made by pro-Pal and environmental activists who said they were subjected to abusive behaviour by law enforcement officials while being held for a few hours after a demonstration on Monday.
    "The central police department carried out its activities of investigation in a fitting manner by respecting the rights and dignity of people", said the department, after female activists in particular alleged that they were forced by officers to exercise and squat without underwear.
    "We don't respond to provocations made in a video and a statement given to the press describing actions that don't belong to the central police department of Brescia and its police operators", said the same source.
    The department also said it would not be commenting on the allegations as "the respect of people's rights was always maintained at all times" and all the operations it carried out were described "in exact reports" made by the appropriate offices.
    The allegations of abuse were made by Extinction Rebellion and Ultima Generazione (Last Generation, UG) climate crisis activists as well as Pro-Pal demonstrators who were taken to the police department after protesting in front of the Brescia chapter of Italian defence giant Leonardo Spa. (ANSA).