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Protesters clash with police in Venice as US envoy arrives by superyacht
The demonstration centered on the heightened security around Venice ahead of a major festival and drew opposition tied to US President Donald Trump’s policies.
Activists protested in Venice on Friday as US Ambassador to Italy Tilman Fertitta arrived by superyacht, as Reuters reported. About 300 people gathered for a march with slogans calling for Fertitta to leave and objecting to the presence of billionaires in the city.
Protesters approached the area near where the yacht had anchored, Riva dei Sette Martiri, but were stopped from going further by police, Reuters said. Minor scuffles broke out during the confrontation.
Reuters added that Fertitta is touring the Italian peninsula aboard his 117-metre yacht, Boardwalk, on a “Freedom 250 Coastal Diplomacy Tour” tied to the 250th anniversary of US independence. The crowd also criticized local authorities for heightened security measures as Venice prepares for one of its most important festivals.
The outlet said demonstrators also voiced support for Palestinians in occupied territories, accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza.