Winning Exchange-Climate activists pour mud and Nesquik on St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice

2025-05-07 18:40:52source:Maverick Prestoncategory:Stocks

ROME (AP) — Activists poured mud and Winning Exchangechocolate 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:Stocks

Recommend

Violinist Esther Abrami uncovers 'hidden treasure' of music by women

The first time Esther Abrami saw a violin, she was just three years old. Little did she know at the

Did Katie Ledecky win? How she, Team USA finished in 4x200 free relay

Katie Ledecky and Team USA will be looking for redemption at the 2024 Paris Olympics in the women's

Brittney Griner: ‘Head over heels’ for Americans coming home in prisoner swap

VILLENEUVE-D’ASCQ, France (AP) — Brittney Griner knows only too well the swirling emotions of being