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The UK is still warning Brit tourists about “violent riots and looting” in Italy following major protests that have swept the country.
Armoured vehicles were deployed near the Colosseum in Rome on Friday, as some 20,000 protestors took to the Italian capital.
Heavy police trucks rallied to protect a military exhibition taking place at the Circus Maximus, while the nearby Roman amphitheatre was placed under lockdown after some protesters entered last Saturday.
Protests also erupted in Naples, Turin, Milan and Bologna. At least three people were injured in Vicenza, in the northeast, including one person who was hit in the head by a tear gas canister during clashes with police.
The Meloni government introduced a raft of emergency measures to quell the protests in October, including stretches of up to five years in prison and fines of €20,000 for joining a protest group that “endangers public safety”.
The demonstrations were part of a much larger wave of protests popping up across Europe due to the rising cost of living, high fuel prices, stagnant wages and increasing military spending.
Is it safe to travel to Italy following the protests?
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) updated its travel advice to Italy on Tuesday, removing information about a national strike. However, it kept its warning about political demonstrations.
“Recent demonstrations across northern Italian cities have led to violent riots and looting,” the FCDO’s website reads. “There is an increased presence of police and military personnel in Milan. Further demonstrations may take place in major cities.”
The government body warns tourists in general to avoid any form of protests, political gatherings or marches.
“If you are near a demonstration, follow the instructions of the police and local authorities and leave the area,” it added. “Do not stop to watch or photograph disorder or police activity.”
Tourists are advised to check local news and official travel information for updates on demonstrations, especially as transport services may be cancelled at short notice.
The FCDO has not placed Italy on its Red List, which is used to urge Brits not to travel to countries that pose dangerous risks.
At the time of writing, this includes countries such as Afghanistan, Belarus and Iran.