Activists poured black paint into the Trevi Fountain Photo: picture alliance / ZUMAPRESS.com | Giulia Marrazzo
From BZ/dpa
Climate activists climbed into the famous Trevi Fountain in Rome and poured black liquid into the water.
With their action in the popular tourist spot in the center of the Italian capital, members of the group Ultima Generazione (Last Generation) called for “an immediate end to public subsidies for all fossil fuels,” according to a statement.
Four activists poured charcoal diluted with water into the well and displayed banners. They were then arrested by the police and taken away, as can be seen in pictures and videos.
According to the group, they also protested against the climate policy of the Italian government, which did too little to protect the climate. Among other things, this is “the cause of the climate crisis that has hit Emilia-Romagna and Marche in the past few days”. After heavy rains, the area was flooded with at least 14 people dead.
The Trevi Fountain is the largest fountain in Rome and one of the most famous in the world. The activists have already demonstrated at other famous fountains in the city. In the past, for example, they poured black liquid into a fountain at the famous Spanish Steps in Rome. They also daubed orange paint on the facade of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. Works of art were already a goal.
In view of these actions, Italy’s government announced a tougher approach to climate activists. She wants to punish vandalism of cultural assets with the payment of damages in the amount of 10,000 to 60,000 euros and criminal sanctions more severely.