Thousands of people marched in Rome on Saturday in rival demonstrations for and against migration, highlighting deep divisions over Italy's new security and migration package. The package includes a migrant "repatriation bonus" scheme that has been criticized by opposition parties and legal groups as unconstitutional and ethically problematic.
Protesters held a banner reading in Italian: "Skin and sweat have the same color, no deportation." The marches reflect growing tensions over immigration policies in Italy and across Europe.
The demonstrations come as Italy's government pushes forward with stricter measures to control migration, while activists argue for more humane treatment of migrants and refugees. The rival rallies underscore the polarized public opinion on the issue.
