Violent clashes between police and migrants in San Lorenzo (Picture: ilmessagero.it )
People living in Rome’s San Lorenzo district are protesting noisily about a surge in criminal violence they say is due to large numbers of homeless migrants gathering in the suburb. The latest increase in tensons between residents and 'Asylum Seekers' followed another brutal street attack which left a man in hospital while local political leaders appealed to the government for urgent security measures.
The latest flashpoint occurred in Piazza di Porta San Lorenzo, where a 30-year-old Gambian man allegedly slashed a Moroccan man with a broken bottle in the middle of the street, striking his neck and face and leaving him collapsed on the ground.
The victim was treated at Umberto I Hospital, where he is reported to be in serious condition, while police used footage captured at the scene to quickly identify and arrest the suspect after he fled. For many locals the attack is just the latest in a growing pattern.
Residents say the area has been inundated by homeless illegal immigrants who are often drunk or under the influence of drugs, and who regularly fight among themselves when not busy attacking and robbing passersby.
“The problem is that they don’t just fight among themselves, they also attack us residents. Men, women, and even children,” Sofia, a waitress who lives near Piazza dei Caduti, told newspaper Il Messaggero.
Police arrested a migrant on Monday evening after being called to the San Lorenzo area where the 36-year-old African was throwing bottles in a public park.
When police arrived, the migrant became aggressive and assaulted one of the officers. He then shouted at officers: “I’ll kill you with my own hands. I’ll take you out.” Police bought him under control using pepper spray, and placed him into custody, Il Giornale reports.
While in the officer’s police car, the African continued to be aggressive and threatened the officers, saying: “The judge will do nothing to me tomorrow, and I will be out waiting for you.”
A police press release said the migrant is already well-known to local police and has a long list of criminal charges. According to the Italian newspaper, a neighborhood assembly has now been called in response, with residents describing a situation that has become “unsustainable.”
Katia Pace, one of the organisers of the meeting, said violence has escalated sharply in recent weeks. “Cases have increased visibly in the last two months. Just a few days ago, two women were beaten and robbed,” she said. Despite stepped-up patrols and recent police operations that led to multiple arrests in nearby districts, residents say the response falls short of what is needed to restore order. “It’s not enough,” said Maria, another concerned resident. “We can’t live like this anymore.”
Scenes of disorder that are fuelling residents fears that the illegals are creating a 'no go area' have become commonplace. In public parks, families with young children are forced to navigate areas where men sleep on benches, drink heavily, argue, and urinate openly, heightening fears about safety and hygiene.
This kind of thing is a familiar story throughout Europe where the link between mass immigration and violent crime is now undeniable. Most European governments are still reluctant to acknowledge the extent of the problem or intrduce measures to combat it, but the Swedish government is giving a lead with its 'smash the gangs' policy but in far too many instances authorities are afraid to act because they will be accused of racism.
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