State terror in Genova

by Fransisco Rojas

What can I say.I’ve been unable to write for the last day and a half because there is an unending flood of traumatized people who need help and are two tired, hungry and shocked to find the answers they need. We have managed with great difficulty to set up an information table across from the IMC so that we can try to answer all the questions that people have and to take down the briefest summaries of the facts they know. Just a few minutes ago a small white car plowed through the people in the small street outside. Thankfully people seem to have gotten out of its way in time. The aggressiveness of the attack got people running after it. We tried to calm things down before they got out of hand. We are an island of relative tranquility here and we are a mecca to people looking for refuge. I have seen too many people being brought in on strechers, limping holding bandages to their heads, fractured cheekbones and noses, all being brought into the infirmiry downstairs. The police have been teargassing crowds at random quiet moments to have an excuse to attack. The non-violent majority are simply speechless. The police let the violent protesters go about thier looting and concentrate on beating pacifists.

Without doubt, agent provocatours are working for the police to try and provoke the incidents. (even as I was writing that another provocation happened outside on the street, but cooler heads have prevailed a second time) . I fear it is only a matter of time before the police succeed in provoking the justification. (as I write we have been told the police are forming on the ends of the street outside. I don’t know how much longer we will be here. so I send this email). If you don’t hear from me in a day or two, please try to find my location from the Genoa police, carabinieri, red cross, or whoever you think is appropriate.

PS Everyone around here I have seen has been very peaceful and trying to resist these provokation.