Pro-Palestinians demonstrate in Rome, Milan despite ban

(ANSA) - ROME, JAN 27 - Pro-Palestinian supporters took to the streets in Rome, Milan and other Italian cities on Saturday in defiance of a ban by police authorities to avoid possible anti-Israeli or antisemitic incidents on Holocaust Remembrance Day to show their support for the civilian population of Gaza.
    In the capital over 500 people gathered in Piazza Vittorio under the banner 'Genocides are all the same. Free Palestine'.
    "We are not here to say we are against the Jews. We are here to say no to genocide in Gaza," said one activist at the demonstration.
    "Even The Hague recognised that there are grounds for South Africa's claims," said others, referring to Friday's preliminary ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on a case brought by the African nation that Israel must take all measures to prevent genocide in Gaza.
    The activists also denounced "infamous accusations of anti-Semitism" against their protest.
    The Rome demonstration saw the participation of union representatives, students, private individuals and Gabriele Rubini, known as Chef Rubio, who is known for his support of the Palestinian cause.
    On Friday he was stopped by police while making his way to a pro-Palestinian demonstration outside the foreign ministry in Rome at which protesters were later prevented from dyeing in red an Israeli flag.
    Sources said he was found to be in possession of a plastic canister allegedly containing five litres of a substance said to be compatible with animal blood.
    In Milan hundreds of people gathered in Piazzale Loreto northeast of the city centre, the location chosen by the association Palestinians in Italy for a press conference to explain why they had decided to respect the ban and postpone the march organised for Saturday until the following day in respect of the order.
    The gathering also included members of the group Young Palestinians, who said Friday they would demonstrate on Saturday anyway in defiance of the ban.
    "Today's ban has added a further reason to be in the square; we are not only protesting against the genocide taking place, but also against the repression of struggles. That is why it is crucial to be in the square today," said Layla of Young Palestinians.
    "The Day of Remembrance has no meaning if you don't look at the present and at the future," she added. (ANSA).