The students: “The Carabinieri pointed their guns at our faces”

An incident took place in Florence involving an attempted occupation of the Agricultural College at the Cascine, which failed on the night of 2–3 November following the arrival of the police, who had been alerted by private security staff after the burglar alarm was triggered at around 3 am. The initial information that the 112 emergency service passed on to the military patrol was that CCTV footage showed four hooded individuals forcing their way into one of the institute’s entrances. There was also smoke – which was later identified as smoke bombs – coming from the windows, which is why the fire brigade were also called out.

But it was the manner in which they gained access to the school that sparked the controversy: “The Carabinieri came in with their guns pointed at our faces,” the students reported today. “We took care not to cause any damage whilst entering, as we spotted an open window in the second building that the school staff had left open,” explain the students from the Agraria student collective. “We hung up a banner reading ‘Agrario occupied’ to make it clear that this was an occupation. We also closed all the gates to prevent any outsiders from entering.”
However, the students add, the police “decided to climb over the fence, entering the grounds, and then began kicking the gates, creating tension and fear”. Until they entered the building. “They came in with their guns pointed at our faces whilst we were sitting on the ground with our hands up; they searched us whilst continuing to insult us and accusing us of being like terrorists”.

There has been no response from the Carabinieri, even though seven young people were identified by the police, assisted by the DIGOS: five of them are minors and two are adults. However, it is believed that more people entered the school to occupy it. Teaching staff were contacted during the night and subsequently rang the parents of those identified. Together, they went to the police station to complete the formalities and then returned home with their families. The following morning, one father accompanied his son to help tidy up the school.

Meanwhile, according to reports emerging today, the headteacher has filed a complaint with the judicial authorities regarding damage to property, as some furniture and fittings were found to have been damaged. This morning, the students therefore organised a protest outside the school, displaying a banner reading: ‘Against your repression’. This was followed by a lengthy discussion with the headteacher and some members of staff, attended by a number of parents. “For our part, we have never refused to engage in dialogue with the students,” said Headteacher Andrea Marchetti. “We have given them the opportunity for self-management; we have helped to provide spaces and opportunities for discussion,” but “as headteacher, I cannot authorise occupations”.
Next Monday, there will be a school assembly. The Florentine case has reached Parliament, with AVS MP Elisabetta Piccolotti announcing that she will table a question to the Minister of the Interior, Matteo Piantedosi.