No assistance to migrants on weekends 'to guarantee leisure activities'

Ban on the weekend of distributing meals and blankets to migrants who are stationed every day in Piazza Libertà, in front of the central station and on other days limited to two hours (from 6pm to 8pm) to carry out this same activity. These are the requirements issued by the Trieste Police Headquarters addressed to one of the most active associations in assisting migrants in that very square, Linea d'ombra, as the association itself explains.

The provisions aim to prevent "any possible disturbance of public order and safety in order to guarantee the regular activities of sociability, entertainment and leisure, free movement and economic initiatives that widely affect this city centre".

"In the seven years that we have been in Piazza Libertà every evening, it is the first time something like this has happened - says Lorena Fornaris, president of Lineaa d'ombra - For two weeks we have been receiving hourly orders... evidently there is great political pressure".

In recent days, limited episodes of violence and even some injuries with cutting weapons have occurred more than once in the square - which has been guarded 24 hours a day by law enforcement for weeks.