Italian authorities continued the relocation of Roma families from a reception centre in Rome’s Torre Maura district on Thursday, following a series of protests held by local residents and far-right supporters.
“It is not fair to give home to Roma families when there are so many Italians and children who sleep in basements or in cars with their parents. At the same time, they [Roma people] have electricity, they have all the expenses paid and they are escorted,” said one of the demonstrators.
While some protesters were seen applauding as the Roma were taken away, several residents tried to show their solidarity with the Roma people by bringing them bread. Tension erupted between the two groups.
Around 70 Roma people, including 33 children, were brought to Torre Maura on Tuesday to be housed in a government-run building before being moved to a permanent home. Local authorities decided to move them again, as their arrival caused outrage among several residents who were rapidly joined by far-right supporters of the Forza Nuova and CasaPound groups.