In view of the incidence of street violence that has swept France, Italy (Milan) and Albania over the weekend, it is useful to read again what was said in the recent past by Francesco Cossiga, former Italian Interior (police) Minister, Prime Minister and President of the Republic, on the topic of how to crush protest demonstrations through orchestrating violence and counter-violence. In an interview with the Quotidiano Nazionale daily on Oct. 23, 2008, Cossiga suggested to then Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and Police Minister Roberto Maroni the following:
“Pull the police forces off the streets and out of the universities, infiltrate the movement with agents provocateurs ready for anything, and for about ten days let the protesters wreck the shops, set cars on fire and put the cities to fire and sword. (…) After that, backed by popular consensus, the sound of ambulance sirens will have to drown out that of police and carabinieri cars.”
“QN: Meaning that...
“Meaning that the law enforcement forces should show no mercy and send them all to the hospital. Not arrest them, because the court would just release them straight away, but beat them, and beat the teachers who are egging them on too.
“QN: The teachers too?
