Climate protestors in Rome, Italy, entered the iconic Trevi Fountain, released charcoal to make the water black, screamed at the cameras, carried banners, and drew boos and jeers from locals and visitors. The spectators celebrated when the cops finally hauled them away.
A report shows that Ultima Generazione (Last Generation), a group against the usage of fossil fuels, planned the damage. The same gang made headlines earlier this month when they staged a topless blockade protest in Rome.
Nine members of the gang raced into the waters of the 260-year-old Trevi Fountain in the Eternal City and spilled carbon dye into it, staining the water black while shouting to the audience and photographers.
At some point, police officers entered the fountain and physically removed the protesters before taking them into custody.
A media outlet reported that although the protesters’ use of carbon liquid did not harm the fountain, Rome’s mayor Roberto Gualtieri warned that cleaning it up would cost labor, time, and water, given that the fountain in question has a recirculation system. We must empty it and trash a quarter of a million liters of water, he added.
The mayor denounced the protest, which Roberto Gualtieri called the newest in an array of actions attacking the creations of art in Italy.
Italy’s demonstrations are part of a larger movement in Europe to raise awareness about alleged climate change.
Heritage landmarks and museum artworks have been targeted by activists who have thrown food at them.
Further, reports reveal that The Fumi Fountain in Rome’s Piazza Navona was painted on the sixth of this month, while the Barcaccia Fountain in Rome’s Piazza di Spagna was painted last month.
In reaction to a spate of violent demonstrations, Italy’s government last month passed a rule that may result in penalties of up to €60,000 for anyone responsible for the destruction of cultural artifacts.
