by InTrieste
In a bold statement, the mayor of Venice, Luigi Brugnaro, declared, “Enough is enough,” as a group of climate activists executed a striking protest at the iconic St Mark’s Basilica on Thursday. Terming it a “fire alarm,” the activists resorted to unconventional tactics, splattering mud onto the centuries-old façade of the 11th-century landmark.
Armed with fire extinguishers filled with liquid mud, the protestors passionately called for immediate action to combat the escalating climate crisis. Their fervent slogans echoed through the air as they were swiftly apprehended by the police.
As one of the six activists vehemently shouted, “Venice will soon be under water, there will no longer be any of this. It will be covered in mud, and we will die. If you love this city as much as we do, join us in asking the government to eliminate fossil fuels.”
Addressing the privileged tourists present, another activist emphasized the urgency, stating, “Those of you who are here to take photos and visit this church today are privileged. You are the last ones who will be able to see it above sea level.”
While facing opposition from some tourists, the activists found support in unexpected quarters, as one French visitor and her young daughter joined the demonstration, according to local news reports.
Mayor Luigi Brugnaro condemned the protest as a “very serious and shameful act,” emphasizing the importance of expressing dissent within the bounds of the law and respecting cultural and religious heritage.
Italy’s Culture Minister, Gennaro Sangiuliano, expressed strong condemnation of the incident, revealing that a bill to hold “eco-vandals” accountable for the restoration of defaced monuments has been approved by the senate and awaits final approval from the lower house.
This protest in Venice follows a series of similar stunts in other Italian cities, including Rome and Florence, where climate activists have resorted to gluing their hands to artworks and dyeing the waters of historic fountains black.
