Thousands march in Rome to protest workplace vaccine rule

Thousands of demonstrators have marched down Rome's Via Veneto and other main streets to protest a government rule requiring COVID-19 vaccines or negative tests for workers to enter offices

ROME -- Thousands of demonstrators marched down Rome's Via Veneto and other main streets on Saturday, many clashing with police, to protest a government rule requiring COVID-19 vaccines or recent negative tests to access workplaces starting next week.

The certification in Italy, known as a “Green Pass,” takes effect on Oct. 15 and applies to public and private workplaces. The protesters first held a noisy, authorized protest Saturday in Piazza Del Popolo. Then demonstrators left the vast square and clashed with police as they headed through nearby Villa Borghese Park and then down Via Veneto in an unauthorized march.

Police in helmets and carrying shields and batons blocked them from marching down a street that runs past Premier Mario Draghi's office. But a group of protesters broke off and headed down another street in Rome's historic main shopping district that ends near the premier’s office. Police formed a line, aided by police vans, and prayed water to thwart access to the seat of the Italian government.

Many protesters raised clenched fists or waved Italian flags and shouted “Freedom!” One banner read “Get your hands off (our) work."