By Reuters and published by Channel NewsAsia
Trieste, Italy – Italian police used water cannons and tear gas today (Oct. 18) to clear a sit-in at the port of Trieste, where opponents of the government’s mandatory Covid-19 health pass have tried to block access.
The north-eastern port has been the focal point of protest in Italy over the introduction of new rules last Friday that require all workers either to show proof of vaccination, a negative coronavirus test or recent recovery from infection.
Police in full riot gear moved in this morning after several hundred dock workers disrupted access to one of the main gates at Italy’s largest commercial port.
The crowds were pushed aside by jets of water followed by volleys of tear gas. Many of them headed towards the city’s main square to continue their protest in front of government offices.
“They attacked us. I am speechless. I never expected it,” said Stefano Puzzer, the spokesman of the port protesters. “We will sit down here. We are keeping calm. We will not give up.”
The government says the mandatory health “Green Pass” is needed to keep workers safe and to encourage more people to get vaccinated.
Under the rule, effective until year-end, workers will be suspended without pay and face a fine of up to €1,500 (US$1,730) if they try to work without the certificate.
Most Italians support the provision, opinion polls show, but a vocal minority says it impinges on core labour rights.
About 15 per cent of private and 8 per cent of public sector workers have no Green Pass, according to a government document seen by Reuters last week.
However, Puzzer has said around 40 per cent of Trieste’s port workers are not inoculated. Vaccine hostility is also higher in the city than in most of Italy, with an “anti-vax” party taking 4.5 per cent of the vote at mayoral elections this month.
CAPTION:
Italian riot police try to disperse a protest of port workers outside the entrance of the major port of Trieste, Italy, today Oct 18, 2021. Photo: Reuters/Borut Zivulovic and published by CNA
