Rome has imposed a “red zone” around the Colosseum after a rise in predatory crime, suspected drug dealing and a violent clash involving about 50 people pushed one of the world’s best-known tourist landmarks into the spotlight as a growing public safety concern.
The new “enhanced-control zone” includes the Colosseum, the Imperial Forums and Colle Oppio. Under the order, authorities are empowered to remove individuals whose violent, threatening or repeatedly disruptive conduct is deemed a risk to public security, according to a six-page directive issued by Rome Prefect Lamberto Giannini.
The measure came into force on Aug. 24 and is scheduled to remain in effect for four months, lasting until Christmas Eve.
People walk around the Colosseum in Rome. (Andrea Ronchini/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Authorities said the district has seen a “resurgence of disorder” that was “predominantly attributable to groups of young people of non-EU origin,” according to the prefect’s order.
The document cited predatory crimes, fights and fireworks near the ancient amphitheater, warning that the explosives may have been used to distract potential crime victims.
Officials said the trouble reached a breaking point July 1, when Rome Capital police officers responded after fireworks were set off near the Colosseum. A group of approximately 50 non-EU nationals allegedly resisted responding officers and damaged police property, according to the order.
The group surrounded local police officers and left two with minor injuries during what news agency ANSA described as an unauthorized gathering in Piazza del Colosseo.
Authorities also singled out Largo Gaetana Agnesi, a terrace overlooking the Colosseum and situated above the Colosseo subway station, as a regular gathering place for the groups at the center of the security concerns.
The nearby Colle Oppio park was also described as a problem area because of people officials said may be engaged in conduct harmful to public safety and public order.
Police are cracking down on crime near the Colosseum in Rome. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
The newly designated zone stretches through some of the most recognizable areas of central Rome, including Piazza Venezia, Via dei Fori Imperiali, Piazza del Colosseo, the Arch of Constantine and Piazza del Campidoglio.
Giannini issued the order following a proposal from Rome’s police chief and discussions by the Provincial Committee for Public Order and Security.
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The order says the opening of the Metro C station serving the Colosseum has also contributed to the security challenges by creating a direct connection between the historic center and neighborhoods in eastern Rome.
The station and another subway stop inside the designated area draw large numbers of commuters and tourists who could be exposed to criminal activity, officials said.
Hundreds of tourists circle Trevi Fountain in Rome. (Seyit Konyali/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Under the order, authorities may remove people who engage in violent, threatening or persistently disruptive behavior and who were reported during the previous five years for specified offenses. Those include intentional crimes against people or property, certain drug offenses, weapons violations and crimes carrying a particular hate-crime aggravating circumstance.
The order is part of a broader push to protect residents and a flood of tourists visiting the Italian capital. Officials described Rome as facing an unusually complex security situation because of major international and historic events, the heightened geopolitical threat environment and the continuing influx of visitors.
Authorities said ordinary patrols, surveillance systems, fixed security posts and joint “High Impact” operations had produced results but had not stopped repeated criminal conduct or fully restored public spaces to residents and visitors.
Officials also extended a separate security zone in Esquilino, covering streets around Rome’s main Termini train station and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
The incident quickly drew outrage online, with many social media users calling the tourist’s actions disrespectful. (iStock)
Officials said demonstrations around Termini continue to require close attention. They also cited the increased number of visitors and pilgrims traveling to Santa Maria Maggiore, where Pope Francis is buried, warning that large crowds can become targets for predatory crimes.
An earlier enhanced-control designation covering the Valle Aurelia area, including the Battistini and Cornelia subway stations, was discontinued after authorities determined that continuing the special measures there was no longer useful.
Anyone who violates the order could face criminal charges under Italian law.
News Media reached out to Rome police for additional information.