Clashes in Rome and acts of vandalism in Bologna have intensified public outrage and drawn sharp condemnation from Italian political leaders. The unrest stems from the death of 19-year-old Ramy Elgaml, a young man of Egyptian origin, during a police chase in Milan.
Clashes in Rome Lead to Injuries
Late Saturday evening, violent clashes broke out between protesters and police in Rome, leaving eight officers injured. The unrest began during a demonstration for Ramy Elgaml, a 19-year-old of Egyptian origin who died on November 24 in Milan. Elgaml’s death occurred during a police chase, where Carabinieri are accused of causing his motorcycle to crash.
The protest in Rome’s San Lorenzo district, organized by leftist groups and student organizations, saw hundreds gather to demand justice. Tensions escalated as demonstrators threw smoke bombs at a supermarket and later targeted police vehicles with Molotov cocktails. Police responded with batons to disperse the crowd.
Political Condemnation of Violence
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni denounced the attacks on police, describing the protesters as “troublemakers driven by revenge.” She emphasized that a tragedy should not be used to justify acts of violence. “Our solidarity is with the injured officers. We stand by their side and wish them a speedy recovery,” Meloni stated on social media.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi also criticized the violence, calling it “completely unacceptable.” He stressed that the right to protest cannot serve as a pretext for intimidation or attacks on state authority. Parliament Speaker Lorenzo Fontana echoed these sentiments, calling the aggression against law enforcement officers “intolerable” and expressing his support for the injured police.
Vandalism and Unrest in Bologna
In Bologna, protests took a darker turn when demonstrators stormed and vandalized a synagogue. The city also witnessed widespread destruction, including burning garbage bins, smashed storefronts, graffiti-covered walls, and stones thrown at police and firefighters.
Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore condemned the attacks and expressed solidarity with the Jewish community. “We have video evidence and will work to identify those responsible. The city will seek compensation for the damage,” he stated, adding that no grievances could justify such destruction.
Growing Outrage Over Elgaml’s Death
The protests reflect growing frustration across Italy, especially among youth with migrant backgrounds, over the circumstances surrounding Ramy Elgaml’s death. Carabinieri are accused of deliberately causing the young man’s motorcycle to crash during the chase, which led to his fatal injuries. Demonstrations demanding justice have erupted in multiple cities, highlighting deeper societal tensions.
The violent turn of these protests has drawn widespread criticism, as leaders call for order and accountability amid escalating unrest.
