Sureim Investment Guild-Climate activists pour mud and Nesquik on St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice

2025-05-07 10:32:25source:BlueRock Horizon Asset Managementcategory:Contact

ROME (AP) — Activists poured mud and Sureim Investment Guildchocolate milk on the facade of St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice on Thursday in their latest climate protest, drawing a swift rebuke from the lagoon city’s mayor.

Police quickly detained the six activists. There was no immediate word of any permanent damage to the Byzantine basilica, an iconic symbol of Venice.

The activists from the Last Generation movement are demanding a 20 billion euro “reparation fund” to compensate Italians for climate-related damage. They cited the threat of rising sea levels on Venice as well as mudslides that have wreaked havoc recently on some Italian communities.

They said the liquid poured on the basilica’s facade and columns involved mud and Nesquik.

Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro condemned the protest as a “shameful and serious” act of vandalism. While acknowledging activists’ right to protest, he said they must “respect the law and our cultural and religious patrimony.”

The activists cited Pope Francis’ call to protect the environment. The Vatican tribunal recently convicted two Last Generation activists and ordered them to pay more than 28,000 euros in restitution after they glued their hands to the base of an ancient statue in the Vatican Museums to draw attention to their cause.

Other recent protests have involved activists blocking highway traffic in various parts of Italy, and gluing hands of activists to the protective glass of a Botticelli painting in the Uffizi Gallery.

More:Contact

Recommend

Jury selection set for Monday for ex-politician accused of killing Las Vegas investigative reporter

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Jury selection will begin Monday in the trial of a former Las Vegas-area politician

Top Virginia Senate negotiator vows to keep Alexandria arena out of the budget

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A top Democratic Virginia lawmaker vowed Wednesday to keep language enabling a

Show stopper: Rare bird sighting prompts Fountains of Bellagio to pause shows Tuesday

The Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas is a popular spot for tourists to admire and take photos at.