A massive demonstration in solidarity with migrants and asylum seekers took place on January 19 in Rome. Between 100,000 and 150,000 people protested against immigration laws proposed by Italy's far-right coalition government. The three-hour march ended in Piazza Navona. The proposed laws will extend the time asylum seekers can be held in custody to 60 days to give police more time to identify and deport them. It also links residence permits to work; if a refugee loses her/his job, the residence permit will lapse too.
Photo from From Green Left Weekly, February 6, 2002.
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