(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).
Brescia police deny allegations of brutality
Pro-Pal protester said she was forced to strip-squat by officers