Police have arrested three people for extortion. In August and September, they are said to have used violence to force holidaymakers to pay them up to 500 euros for photos in front of Rome’s landmarks, the police said, according to the Italian news agency ANSA.
A tourist from northern Italy reported that the “gladiators” charged 40 euros for a photo. When he refused to pay the amount, he was surrounded by two of the three now arrested. They threatened to beat him up and finally took 150 euros.
In another incident, the suspects demanded payment from an Irish tourist for a photograph. When the victim refused, saying he had no money, they forced him to go to the nearest ATM. The victim withdrew 200 euros and gave them to the men. The three, not satisfied with this, made the tourist go to the ATM again and withdraw another 50 euros.
In recent years, Rome has tried in vain to limit the number of “gladiators” in front of the Colosseum. They don’t pay any taxes, criticizes the community. Anyone who wants to pose for tourists as a “gladiator” or “centurion” (ancient Roman officer) at the Colosseum or in the Roman Forum should in future have a license, was a suggestion from the city administration, which was never implemented.
Source: Nachrichten
