Protests in Italy following the death of a young Egyptian man have escalated into violent clashes and attacks, prompting condemnation from political leaders.
Violence Erupts in Rome
On Saturday evening in Rome, protests turned violent as demonstrators clashed with police. Eight officers were injured during the unrest, which erupted at a demonstration for Ramy Elgaml, a 19-year-old of Egyptian descent. Elgaml died on November 24 in Milan during a police pursuit involving Carabinieri.
Hundreds of protesters, organized by leftist groups and student organizations, gathered in Rome’s San Lorenzo district. The situation quickly escalated as demonstrators threw smoke bombs at a supermarket and later targeted police vehicles with Molotov cocktails. In response, police used batons to disperse the crowd.
Political Leaders Condemn the Violence
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly condemned the attacks on law enforcement. She criticized the protests as “chaos fueled by habitual agitators acting out of revenge” and emphasized that tragedy should never be used to justify violence. Meloni expressed solidarity with the injured officers, wishing them a speedy recovery and affirming her government’s support for the police.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi also condemned the attacks, stating that violence against law enforcement “must be unequivocally denounced.” He stressed that the right to protest must not serve as a pretext for acts of intimidation or undermining state authority. Similarly, Parliament Speaker Lorenzo Fontana labeled the aggression as “unacceptable” and voiced his solidarity with the injured officers.
Nationwide Protests and Rising Tensions
The protests reflect growing outrage across Italy over Elgaml’s death. The Carabinieri are accused of deliberately causing the young man’s motorcycle to crash during the pursuit, leading to his fatal injuries. Demonstrations, particularly among youth with migrant backgrounds, have erupted in several cities across the country.
Synagogue Attacked in Bologna
In Bologna, protests took an alarming turn when demonstrators stormed and vandalized a synagogue. The northern Italian city saw acts of vandalism, including garbage bin fires, stone-throwing at police and firefighters, smashed storefronts, and graffiti defacing walls.
Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore condemned the destruction and expressed solidarity with the Jewish community. “We have video evidence and will ensure those responsible are identified. The city will seek damages. There is no justification for this devastation,” the mayor stated.
The protests highlight deep tensions in Italy, as the death of Ramy Elgaml continues to ignite widespread anger and unrest.