Security Measures Heightened in Milan and Rome for Liberation Day Celebrations

Security measures were intensified in Milan and Rome, Italy on April 25, 2024 for the celebrations of Liberation Day. In Rome, the security plan focused on the Porta San Paolo area, where the Jewish Brigade was set to lay a wreath of flowers. Nearby, a demonstration by Palestinian students, movements, and university collectives was expected to draw around 2,000 participants.

Tensions arose between the Jewish Brigade and pro-Palestine demonstrators, with boos, insults, and some objects being thrown. The police implemented security measures to ensure safety during the events.

In Milan, the national demonstration was opened by deportees and anti-fascist brigades, including the Jewish Brigade, which has faced protests in recent years. Young Palestinians planned to gather in Piazza Duomo to display Palestinian flags and symbols.

Meanwhile, President Sergio Mattarella placed a wreath at the Altar of the Fatherland in Rome for the commemoration of Liberation Day. The day marks the 79th anniversary of Italy's liberation from Nazi occupation and fascist rule.

The celebrations this year were overshadowed by a media controversy over suspected censorship by state-run broadcaster RAI. The issue centered around a planned Liberation Day monologue by Italian author Antonio Scurati, which was spiked allegedly due to its criticism of fascism and the current Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's party, which has neo-fascist roots.

Why this matters: The tensions and controversy surrounding Liberation Day in Italy highlight the ongoing debate over the country's fascist past and the efforts by some political forces to distance themselves from that legacy. The heightened security measures also underscore the challenges in balancing free speech, political expression, and public safety during significant national events.

The National Association of Italian Partisans, who fought against Nazi occupation and fascist forces, planned to go ahead with marches, including one in Milan featuring Scurati. Prime Minister Meloni attended the commemoration at the tomb of the unknown soldier in Rome, while publishing Scurati's monologue on her Facebook page and accusing the left-wing opposition of creating a scandal. The RAI controversy has fueled tensions on a Liberation Day that was already charged due to Israel's war in Gaza and planned pro-Palestinian marches in Italy.

Key Takeaways

• Security heightened in Milan and Rome for Liberation Day celebrations.
• Tensions between Jewish Brigade and pro-Palestine demonstrators in Rome.
• Controversy over censorship of anti-fascist speech by state broadcaster RAI.
• PM Meloni attended commemoration, published censored monologue on Facebook.
• Liberation Day overshadowed by Israel-Gaza war and planned pro-Palestinian marches.