Italian MEP Ilaria Salis Subjected to Police Check Ahead of Rome Protest
Italian Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Ilaria Salis, of Alleanza Verdi e Sinistra (Green and Left Alliance), was subjected to a police check in her Rome hotel room on Saturday morning, March 28, 2026, hours before a planned anti-government demonstration. The incident has sparked political debate and accusations of intimidation.
Police and Salis Offer Conflicting Accounts
Salis described the check as an act of intimidation, stating that police remained in her room for over an hour questioning her. She linked the check to the upcoming “No Kings” protest against the war and the government of Giorgia Meloni and to the recent approval of a new “security package” allowing preventative detention of individuals suspected of causing trouble at demonstrations.
Yet, Rome’s police headquarters (Questura) offered a different explanation. They stated the check was a routine procedure (“atto dovuto”) stemming from a signal received from another European country. According to the Questura, the check was not related to the planned protest or the new security legislation.
Schengen System and German Signal
Further reports indicate the alert originated from a signal issued by Germany within the Schengen system, a zone comprising 29 European countries that have officially abolished passport and any other type of border control at their mutual borders.
Political Reactions and Accusations
Angelo Bonelli and Nicola Fratoianni, leaders of Alleanza Verdi e Sinistra, condemned the check as a “grave” and “unacceptable” act, questioning whether the Meloni government was targeting opposition parliamentarians. They demanded clarification from Interior Minister Piantedosi.
Salis herself took to social media, stating, “Italy is now a regime,” and comparing the situation to Hungary under Viktor Orbán. She affirmed her intention to participate in the “No Kings” demonstration, scheduled for 2:00 PM in Piazza della Repubblica.
The “Security Package” and Preventative Measures
The recent “security package” approved by the Italian government grants police the authority to detain individuals suspected of involvement in disruptive activities prior to demonstrations. Whereas Salis was not detained, the timing of the check has raised concerns about the potential for abuse of these new powers.
FAQ
What prompted the police check on Ilaria Salis? The Questura states it was a routine check triggered by a signal from another European country, specifically Germany, through the Schengen system.
Was the check related to the “No Kings” protest? The Questura denies any connection to the protest, stating it was not a preventative measure related to the demonstration.
What is the Schengen system? It is a zone of 29 European countries that have abolished passport and border control at their mutual borders.
What is Alleanza Verdi e Sinistra? It is the Green and Left Alliance, the political party to which Ilaria Salis belongs.
Did police search Salis’s hotel room? No, the Questura stated that police did not enter the room and limited their actions to requesting identification.
What is the “security package” recently approved by the Italian government? It grants police the authority to detain individuals suspected of involvement in disruptive activities prior to demonstrations.
Did you know? The Schengen system facilitates borderless travel for millions of Europeans, but also allows for the sharing of information regarding potential security threats.
Pro Tip: Staying informed about political developments and legal changes is crucial for understanding the context of events like this.
What are your thoughts on the balance between security measures and individual rights? Share your opinion in the comments below!
