There was tension in central
Rome on Tuesday as private-hire drivers in the capital protested
after talks with the government over new legislation broke down.
At one point cops in riot gear had to intervene to rescue a
municipal police officer who was surrounded by around 30 people
and appeared to be in danger of getting lynched, sources said.
Police set up a cordon to stop the protestors reaching Piazza
Venezia, a key central square.
The private-hire drivers are angry about legislation coming
into force in the new year which they say would cripple them.
Under the terms of the new rules, the private-hire drivers
would have to return to the base town where they are registered
after every fare.
An amendment could remove this part of the legislation.
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