Venetian separatists defy police ban, march in St Mark's

(ANSA) - Venice, April 25 - 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.