Genoa G8, 2001
Thursday, July 19
FOOTAGE //
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On July 19, 2001, the first large public demonstrations connected to the Genoa G8 took place in the city, while the Pascoli–Diaz school complex functioned as an important operational and media center for the Genoa Social Forum. Throughout the day, activists, organizers, legal support teams, journalists, and international participants gathered there to coordinate activities and prepare for the larger demonstrations scheduled for the following days.
In the afternoon, a march in support of the rights of immigrants and non-EU residents moved through the city. The demonstration brought together a broad and heterogeneous participation, including international groups, local residents, members of the Rete Lilliput, and other political and social collectives. Contemporary estimates reported a turnout of approximately 50,000 people. For most of its duration, the march proceeded without major incidents. At one point near police headquarters, a small group within the anarchist area threw plastic bottles and a few stones toward the police lines. The episode remained limited in scope and was quickly interrupted by other demonstrators, who intervened directly to separate the group from law enforcement. No major escalation was reported during the march. As the city awaited the mass demonstrations planned for Friday, July 20, and Saturday, July 21, the overall number of participants in Genoa continued to increase. Organized groups and individual protesters arrived throughout the day and were accommodated in the reception areas prepared across different parts of the city. The events of July 19 mark the beginning of the most visible phase of the public mobilization against the G8 summit in Genoa. |