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Torchlight demonstrations took place in 12 Italian cities against the mandatory anti-Covid green pass which is due to come into force on August 6 in Italy for cultural and sporting venues. The pass will be needed to dine at tables in cafes and restaurants inside.
The turnout was lower than the organizers had hoped for.
The gatherings were organized by the Free Choice Committee.
The demonstrators, few of whom wore protective masks, brandished banners which read: “dictatorial measure of the Green Pass” and “We are for the yes to freedom”.
Protests against the laissez-passer
The event in Rome was held in the central Piazza del Popolo, the scene of other such protests in recent days against the government’s decision on the green pass.
Hundreds of people, including a number of parliamentarians, stood under a large banner which read: “United for freedom of choice, against all discrimination”.
Among them was the famous art critic and politician Vittorio Sgarbi.
“I don’t get vaccinated because I’m scared. We are not sure the vaccine has been tested. I don’t want the vaccine, it’s my decision, ”he said.
Many who came to the square with torches shouted “Freedom” and “Hands off our children”.
The green light has been given to vaccinate minors between 12 and 17 years old.
But Italy has yet to decide on the vaccination of young children, those under 12, and whether all teachers and health workers need to be vaccinated in order to be able to continue working.
A decision is also pending on whether a green pass will also become mandatory on public transport, including trains and buses. The government is expected to announce the new measures that will be applied.
In favor of vaccination
Meanwhile, many authoritative voices have been heard in favor of vaccinations.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella said on Wednesday: “The pandemic is not behind us and getting vaccinated is a moral and civic duty”.
He added that the virus has mutated and is becoming more and more contagious and that the longer it circulates, the more frequent and dangerous its mutations can become.
Mattarella said: “The vaccine does not make us invulnerable, but it significantly reduces the possibility of contracting the virus, its circulation and its dangerousness. “
Stefano Patuanelli, a leading member of the Five Star Movement, wrote on his Facebook page that the participation of politicians in the protests is a devastating signal.
“We do not realize how much we still risk today the resurgence of the pandemic and the government’s efforts to introduce measures that will allow productive activities to remain open.”
The Italian Ministry of Health on Wednesday reported more than 5,600 new cases, up 1,000 from the previous day. The positivity rate was 2.3%, down from 1.9% on Tuesday.
The Italian government has announced that the country will receive a million additional doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, starting in the second week of August.
He added that this will allow Italy’s COVID-19 emergency commissioner to complete the vaccination campaign by September 30.
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