BBC News - Friday, 27 July, 2001
The carabinieri, the military police, in particular have a fearsome reputation.
Football supporters in Italy have long complained about the heavy-handed approach of the carabinieri to crowd control.
Like many by paramilitary or police forces, the carabinieri have a reputation for being right-wing.
Much of the coverage of the raid on the Genoa demonstrators' base has focused on the relish with which both police forces are alleged to have attacked the campaigners and the tradition they have of suppressing left-wing protests.
In all 230 demonstrators were injured in two days of violence at the summit, and one was killed by police.
Forces compete
There are three police forces in Italy: the carabinieri, the sate police and the financial police.
Despite the attempts by politicians to integrate the police to a greater degree, and the regular joint operations, forces have very different cultures and the carabinieri and the state police in particular have a competitive relationship.
Many of the carabinieri deployed in Genoa were young men serving their year of compulsory military service.
Much of the alleged brutality at Genoa and the killing of one Italian protester have been attributed to the inexperience of the conscripts.
However, newspaper reports in Italy talk of permission being given from high up in the police ranks for a revenge attack on the protesters.
Investigations
Reports claim that conscripts were fired up against the campaigners by rumours of terrorist attacks and the claim that anarchists were planning to throw bags of HIV-infected blood.
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has promised a full investigation into the allegations of police brutality. He and his parliamentary allies have rejected opposition calls for a parliamentary inquiry into the violence during the summit.
However, Italian prosecutors are investigating the allegations against the police.
010727
BB010727
Copyright © 2001 - BBC. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the BBC.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2001. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2001. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.
.