by Maximiliano Crocamo
Interviews: Regional Councilor for Local Autonomy and Security Pierpaolo Roberti, the Commander of the Trieste Local Police Walter Milocchi; mayor of Trieste, Roberto Dipiazza
As Udine braced for a pro-Palestinian demonstration on Monday, Pierpaolo Roberti, the Regional Councilor for Security in Friuli Venezia Giulia, urged participants to remain peaceful and avoid confrontation.
“Today is certainly a very complicated day for security in Udine,” Roberti said ahead of the march, which coincides with the Italy-Israel World Cup qualifying match scheduled for Monday evening. “The hope is for a peaceful demonstration, also because I don’t understand the purpose of such a march—let alone if it were to turn violent.”
Authorities placed the city under heightened security, with police and local officials working to prevent tensions from escalating. The dual events — the football match and the demonstration — prompted concerns about possible disruptions or clashes.
Roberti pointed to recent international developments as a reason to prioritize dialogue over division. “Fortunately, we are coming off a historic day marked by the signing of an agreement, the release of Israeli hostages, and the exchange of Palestinian prisoners,” he said. “The whole world is working for peace, and if there are still those who think about waging war, perhaps they are in the wrong place.”
The demonstration in Udine is part of a series of gatherings across Italy reflecting growing public attention to the conflict in the Middle East. Officials in Friuli Venezia Giulia emphasized that while freedom of expression must be protected, public safety remains the top priority.
