VICENZA: Protesters clashed with police in the Italian city of Vicenza on Saturday after a demonstration against the presence of Israeli exhibitors at an international jewellery fair.

Police used water cannon against demonstrators who fired smoke bombs and flares after violence erupted after a planned march by hundreds of people, some holding up banners saying “Free Palestine” and “Stop Bombing Gaza”.

More than 1,300 exhibitors from almost 40 countries are showing at the Vicenzaoro fair, which opened on Friday and runs until Tuesday, according to organisers.

A spokesperson said the clashes took place several kilometres away and had no impact on the event, while declining to give information on the Israeli presence at the fair. Vicenza mayor Giacomo Possamai said there was “no justification” for the violence.

“It also hurts the causes that it claims to support — it is a contradiction in terms to demonstrate for peace and a ceasefire through violence,” he said in a statement posted on social media.

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2024