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.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
