Key facts
- Hundreds of people are camping in Rome due to an eviction from Spin Time Labs.
- The eviction followed a minor fire in the building.
- The Meloni government views occupied buildings as criminal dens.
- Spin Time Labs has provided social and cultural services since 2013.
- The building is now under judicial seizure orders.
- Rome's council is exploring options to maintain the community.
Hundreds of people have been forced to camp in Rome's sweltering heat for over a week following the evacuation and subsequent seizure of Spin Time Labs, a prominent social assistance center. The building, occupied by grassroots groups since 2013, was closed after a minor fire on July 29, which the government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is using as a pretext to crack down on squatted properties.
About 400 residents, including children, the elderly, and disabled individuals, were displaced by police and are now living on the street with their belongings. The Meloni government views such occupied buildings as criminal havens, while supporters, including leftwing politicians, the Vatican, and prominent cultural figures like Oscar winner Paolo Sorrentino and author Roberto Saviano, describe Spin Time Labs as a symbol of democracy and a vital community hub.
The Spin Time Labs initiative has evolved over the past decade to offer a range of social and cultural services, including a food bank, restaurant, and co-working spaces. Despite an eviction order dating back to 2020, the government had previously hesitated to enforce it due to concerns over the social repercussions of displacing vulnerable people. The Interior Ministry was recently ordered to pay €21 million in damages for this inaction. The building is now subject to two judicial seizure orders, one related to the private owner's legal battle and another linked to the fire. Rome's council is actively seeking solutions, including the possibility of purchasing the building to preserve the community.