An estimated 1,000 separatists
from the Veneto region around Venice defied a police ban on
Friday and gathered in Saint Mark's Square to celebrate the
feast day of the city's patron Saint Mark.
The self-proclaimed "Veneto Government", members of which
were arrested and released earlier this month for allegedly
mounting an armed insurrection against the Italian State, is led
by Albert Gardin.
In addition to the arrests, Police have seized a bulldozer
from the group, one that was unsuccessfully customized into a
sort of armored tank, complete with a cannon.
The separatists insist it was only intended for
demonstrations, not for violence.
The economic crisis has increased support for independence
in the northeastern region, where many allege the central
government is bleeding local businesses dry with high taxation.
Last month, separatists organized an unofficial referendum
in which an overwhelming majority of participants voted in
favour of leaving Italy.
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