Advisory for Indians in Italy amid violent protests:People urged to avoid crowded areas, emergency number provided

After protests against rising inflation in Italy turned violent, the Indian Embassy issued an advisory for Indian citizens living there. On Monday, the embassy urged Indians to stay away from crowded places and areas where protests are taking place, and to monitor local news. Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called an emergency security meeting on Monday following the incidents of violence. The Indian Embassy released the telephone numbers of its offices in Rome and Milan to provide assistance in an emergency. Protesters clash with police in Milan, shops looted Protests were held in several Italian cities on Sunday against rising inflation. The demonstrations were initially peaceful, but violence broke out in Milan. Protesters threw stones, dustbins, and chairs at the police. The police then used tear gas and water cannons. More than 5,000 people had gathered in Milan over the weekend. Shops were looted and property was damaged during the violence. According to Italy’s ANSA news agency, police detained more than 200 people. Around 80% of them are minors. Police officers and other people were also reported to have been injured in the clashes. People carrying stones and hammers detained in Turin The violence was also felt in other Italian cities. According to Meloni, some people were detained in Turin while carrying stones and hammers used to break glass. In Bologna, a railway station was closed as a precaution amid fears of disorder. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala said it was worrying to see shattered shop windows, looting, and frightened citizens. According to him, such incidents are being witnessed in many cities around the world. Meloni says protesting is a right, but setting cities on fire is not Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence and said, “Protesting is a right, but destroying our cities is not.” She alleged that some rioters had tried to exploit the protests to spread chaos. Meloni also appealed to opposition parties to unequivocally condemn the violence. She said there should be no ambiguity on the matter, as hesitation in condemning the violence could be interpreted as support for it. ​