Environmental Activists Stage Surprise Protest on Opening Day of Rome G20... Tensions with Police

[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] On the 30th (local time), the opening day of the Group of Twenty (G20) summit in Rome, Italy, a small number of environmental activists blocked the entrance to the summit venue and staged a surprise protest.

According to ANSA and AFP news agencies, about 50 members of the environmental group 'Climate Camp' blocked the main entrance road to the 'La Nuvola Convention Center' in the EUR district of Rome, which was being used as the summit venue, and protested that morning.

They marched on the road holding a banner that read, "From Rome to Glasgow (COP26), your solutions are full of problems," while shouting slogans.

Although no serious physical clashes occurred between the riot police and protesters on site, there were reportedly some tense moments when the police tried to pull them off the road.

Italian security authorities have deployed about 6,000 joint military and police forces in key areas of Rome, including the EUR district, to maintain strict security.

Until the 31st, an area within a 10 km radius of the summit venue has been designated as a 'Red Zone,' with vehicle access strictly controlled, and snipers have been stationed in buildings around the venue in preparation for any emergencies.

For two days, the entire airspace over Rome has been designated a no-fly zone, and no aircraft except patrol helicopters are allowed to fly.