Italy: Police Move Against Violent Anti-Vaccine Activists

ROME: Police launched raids across Italy on Monday against 17 anti-vaccine activists who were allegedly affiliated with a Telegram chat that led to violence against government, medical and media figures for their perceived support of COVID-19 restrictions.

Police in Turin said the “Basta Dittatura” (Enough of the Dictatorship) chat had tens of thousands of members and was a prime forum for organizing protests against Italy’s health pass.

Like many European countries, Italy requires people to show their so-called Green Pass to dine indoors, visit museums and cinemas and for long-distance public transport. The pass show proof of vaccination, a recent negative test or having been cured of COVID-19.

Protests have grown more acute after Italy last month became the first Western country to also require the pass to access workplaces.