Press TV – August 11, 2013
Thousands of people in Italy’s Sicily have staged a protest against the US military plans to build a satellite communication system on the Italian island.
The protesters marched on Saturday through the southern city of Niscemi opposing the construction of US military facility, which will include some large radar and tens of radio antennas. The city already hosts 46 US military satellites.
At least one officer was reported injured after police clashed with a number of protesters.
During the past two years, residents have repeatedly complained about an alleged rise in health problems caused by the radiation.
They are also concerned about the environmental consequences especially for the eco-system of the historic Sughereta cork forest as well as the effect on local agricultural produce.
The United States reportedly holds eight military bases in Italy, including its latest military installation in Europe Caserma Renato Del Din, which opened last month in the Italian city of Vicenza.