In a disturbing revelation, female climate activists in Italy have accused the police in the northern city of Brescia of subjecting them to deeply humiliating and degrading treatment during questioning on Monday. The activists allege they were forced to remove their underwear and perform squats in front of officers after being detained during a protest at an aerospace company.
The shocking allegations have prompted urgent calls for the Italian Interior Minister to open an immediate investigation into the conduct of the Brescia police force. Politicians and human rights advocates are demanding answers and accountability for what they describe as an unacceptable violation of the activists’ dignity and rights.
Forced to Strip and Squat
According to the disturbing accounts, seven female activists from the climate action group Extinction Rebellion were singled out for especially humiliating treatment. In videos posted online, the women described how they were taken to a separate room and ordered by female officers to remove their underwear and perform three squats, purportedly “for checks.”
The activists emphasized that this degrading procedure was “only reserved for the females, not the males” who had also been arrested. The “squat test” is normally only used on suspects accused of concealing illegal drugs, raising serious questions about why it was employed in this case against peaceful demonstrators.
They asked me to undress, take off my underwear and do three squats, ‘for checks’, according to them.
– Female Extinction Rebellion activist
Charges and Lengthy Detention
The 22 activists were arrested on Monday morning while staging a demonstration blocking the entrance to a factory belonging to the Italian aerospace and defense firm Leonardo. They were held in custody for around seven hours before finally being charged with “seditious gathering” and “unannounced demonstration,” according to their lawyer.
Despite the minor nature of the alleged offenses, the activists endured lengthy interrogations and demeaning treatment at the hands of the Brescia police. The seven women subjected to the “squat test” humiliation have vowed to file a formal complaint against the officers involved in the coming days.
Police Deny Wrongdoing
After initially denying the disturbing allegations, the Brescia police department has since released a carefully worded statement claiming the searches were conducted “in order to find any dangerous objects” and that officers respected procedures while safeguarding the “confidentiality and dignity of people.” However, these assurances have done little to quell the growing outrage.
Incensed politicians from opposition parties are now demanding a full and transparent inquiry into the Brescia police’s handling of the detained activists. Some have drawn a connection between the alleged misconduct and the “climate of aggression” fostered by the right-wing government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
We ask [Interior Minister] Piantedosi to immediately verify and to intervene if [the allegations] are confirmed.
– Matteo Orfini, Democratic Party
Controversial Security Bill
The troubling reports of police misconduct come as the Italian parliament debates a contentious new security bill aimed at cracking down on climate activists. The proposed law would impose harsh penalties, including hefty fines and jail terms of up to two years, for demonstrators who block roads or railways.
Critics argue that the bill represents a draconian attempt to criminalize dissent and suppress legitimate protest. In light of the alleged mistreatment of activists in Brescia, they contend it will only embolden and enable further abuses by police.
Call for Accountability
As the shocking allegations reverberate through Italian society and beyond, the pressure is now on Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi to take swift and decisive action. A thorough, independent investigation into the Brescia police’s treatment of the female activists is being demanded from all quarters.
For the activists themselves, their harrowing ordeal has only strengthened their resolve to continue their peaceful fight for urgent climate action. They hope that by coming forward with their disturbing accounts, they can shine a spotlight on the harassment and intimidation faced by demonstrators and effect meaningful change.
As the world grapples with the existential threat of climate change, the heavy-handed suppression of activism and protest threatens to undermine the very foundations of democracy. The shocking events in Brescia serve as a stark reminder of the vital importance of upholding civil liberties and human rights, even in the face of those who seek to silence dissent.
