ROME, Oct 10 (Reuters) – Italian police said on Sunday they had arrested 12 people, including top officials of the extreme right-wing party Forza Nuova, following clashes in Rome against a government drive to make the COVID-19 “Green Pass” mandatory for all workers.
A separate group smashed into the headquarters of Italy’s main CGIL trade union.
Draghi introduced the pass – a digital or paper certificate confirming its holder has received at least one vaccine dose, has tested negative or recently recovered from the virus – in the summer to try to prevent infections and encourage people to get vaccinated.
It was initially needed to enter many cultural and leisure venues and its scope has gradually been widened. Last month, the month the government made it compulsory for all workers.
Under the green pass system for workers, accepted by unions and employers, any worker who fails to present a valid health certificate from Oct. 15 will be suspended with no pay, but cannot be sacked.
More than 80%of all Italians over the age of 12 have been fully vaccinated.
(Reporting by Elvira Pollina; editing by Barbara Lewis)
Photo Policemen clash with ‘No Green Pass’ protesters in the center of Rome, Italy, 09 October 2021. Since 06 August, in order to be allowed access to certain activities and services, everyone over the age of 12 in Italy needs to present a COVID-19 ‘Green Pass’ health certificate. EPA-EFE/MASSIMO PERCOSSI
