Trump Caricature Ripped Down And Seized By Police At Rome Protest

Police ripped down and seized a satirical caricature of U.S. President Donald Trump during an Extinction Rebellion protest before an activist was later reported under Italy’s Article 290 for insulting the Republic and Government.

The incident took place on May 30 during a 24-hour demonstration in Piazza dell’Esquilino. At the center of the protest was an artistic installation featuring an oil-covered rocket beneath the words “Fascists on Mars,” alongside a large inflatable Earth carrying the slogan “Democracy on Earth.”

Caricatures of Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni were attached to the rocket. Extinction Rebellion says the figures remained on display for about 10 minutes before police ordered their removal, tore them down and seized them.

Two months later, the activist who had formally notified authorities about the demonstration was notified by prosecutors in Rome of a complaint under Article 290.

Extinction Rebellion has described the case as an attack on freedom of expression and political dissent. The group also says previous requests to hold demonstrations at other locations in Rome had been rejected on public-order grounds.

The group cited other recent cases involving activists accused of the same offense and raised concerns over SLAPP lawsuits and complaints intended to intimidate protesters.