Trieste authorities restrict migrant aid in Piazza Libertà

The Trieste Police Headquarters (Questura di Trieste) has issued new restrictions on the humanitarian association Linea d’ombra, limiting its ability to provide aid to migrants in Piazza Libertà. Under the new mandates, the distribution of meals and blankets is prohibited during weekends. On other days, assistance activities are restricted to a two-hour window between 18:00 and 20:00.

Authorities stated the measures are necessary to prevent disturbances to public order and to ensure the regular flow of social, recreational, and economic activities in the city center. The decision follows recent incidents of violence and knife attacks in the area near the central station, which has seen increased police presence.

Lorena Fornaris, president of Linea d’ombra, expressed concern over the changes, noting that the organization has operated in the square every evening for seven years without such restrictions. She suggested the recent limitations might be influenced by political pressures, highlighting the ongoing tension between urban security measures and humanitarian assistance.