British protester to be compensated by Italian police
Wednesday, February 29th, 2012The Italian Government is expected to compensate protesters who were beaten at the hands of Italian riot police at the Genoa G8 summit in 2001.
Among the protesters was Mark Covell, who was savagely beaten when Italian police stormed a school building where he was staying. The police were looking for protesters who had become violent earlier in the day, and 93 people were beaten at the school.
The violence orchestrated by police is considered to be among the worst ever carried out in post-war Europe.
Mr Covell suffered spinal damage in the attack, together with a shredded left lung, a broken hand, 16 broken teeth, and suffered internal bleeding. He was in intensive care for twelve days.
The civil court in Genoa recommended a compensation figure of €300,000 be paid to Mr Covell by the Italian Interior Ministry. His injury lawyer confirmed final negotiations were taking place.
25 police officers and prison guards were convicted in connection with the crime. They are appealing against the decision at the Supreme Court, with most of them still in their posts.
Mr Covell said: “The most important thing is that justice be done.”
After Mr Covell receives his compensation, criminal investigations may reopen as he claims he knows the names of the police officers who attacked him. Most of the senior police officers have been acquitted of charges brought against them over the Diaz violence.
Mr Covell has declared an intention of emigrating to New Zealand once he has received his compensation.
