(ANSA) - ROME, APR 12 - 'IoApro' (IOpen) anti-lockdown
protesters threw firecrackers and objects at police in Rome's
San Silvestro square on Monday.
The demonstrators, some wearing handcuffs and many with their
hands raised, asked to be able to head towards the parliament
building.
They were met by police in riot gear.
One of the protesters was hut by one of the objects thrown.
the IoApro protest has been organised mainly by restaurateurs
and bar and gym owners chafing at long COVID-linked closures.
Militants from the far-right CasaPound group joined the
hospitality operators, as they did in a protest that turned ugly
in Rome last week with seven people arrested and one police
officer taken to hospital.
"Reopenings now!" and "Freedom!", the protesters shouted.
"We are under house arrest", they said, showing their cuffs.
A part of the group broke off and started marching towards
Piazza del Popolo.
At another spot in the Italian capital, Piazzale Flaminio near
the Muro Torto, demonstrators who had blocked traffic were
baton-charged by police. (ANSA).