Venice activists attacked by far-right influencers

A group of political activists from Alleanza Verdi e Sinistra (Avs) and the Morion social center were attacked in Venice on Saturday afternoon near Campo San Bartolomio. The incident involved approximately ten individuals identified as far-right influencers and creators, including Ambrose Omo Irogho, known as ‘JollyTime’, and Tom van den Heuvel of ‘Dutch Travel Maniac’.

Witnesses and victims report that the confrontation began with verbal insults and the use of pepper spray before escalating into physical violence involving punches and kicks. Six people were hospitalized with various injuries, including Giovanni Fassioli, a municipal councilor for Avs, who reportedly suffered a head injury.

JollyTime has denied initiating the physical violence, claiming the group was reacting to being pushed and insulted by the activists. However, political groups and local leaders have condemned the incident, with some describing the actions as ‘squadrismo 2.0’. Police and Digos are currently reviewing surveillance footage to identify all participants and determine appropriate administrative and criminal measures, such as urban bans (Daspo).