Tensions at the La Sapienza march, two arrested

AGI – Two arrested and, at least, one policeman injured. This is the balance of tensions during the pro-Palestine demonstration in the San Lorenzo district of Rome.

A group of 300 Sapienza students, according to what we learn, tried to break through the police cordon in Viale dell’Università.

Following the demonstrators’ attempt to force the blockade of the officers, scuffles broke out which were followed by lightening charges which led to the injury of a policeman.

According to what has been reconstructed, this afternoon, a group of around 300 demonstrators attempted to break into the Rectorate of the La Sapienza University of Rome where the Academic Senate was in session and were repelled by the staff engaged in maintaining order. The protesters then moved in a procession inside the university. One of the participants jumped onto a state police vehicle, damaging it and was arrested for this. Furthermore, the protesters also damaged two cars belonging to the university’s internal security staff outside the Rectorate. Subsequently, many protesters attempted to break into the university police station, but failed. On this occasion the demonstrators were confronted by the officers on duty and a police officer was attacked by a protester who was arrested. Other demonstrators headed towards the San Lorenzo police station where one of those arrested had been taken.

With the cry of “War out of the university”, the procession, which wound its way through the avenues of the Roman university, was blocked by the police as it exited onto Viale Regina Elena. The students have repeatedly contested the rector Polimeni, who according to them was “guilty” of not taking a stand between Israel and Palestine.

“My closeness to the Rector, Antonella Polimeni”, commented the University Minister Anna Maria Bernini. “What is happening at Sapienza is shameful. Legitimate protest can never lead to violence and abuse. The Senate’s decision highlights that the academic community does not accept impositions from a minority that would like to isolate Italian universities from the international context. Research cannot be boycotted.”