‘Nobody can stop them’: Who are Europe’s Black Bloc protesters?
Summary
Black Bloc refers to people who dress in black and sometimes use violence and property damage during demonstrations across Europe. A political science professor traced the tactic to anarchist groups in 1980s Germany, while noting that black clothing and tactics do not identify one organized group or fixed ideology.Key Facts
- Black Bloc participants have appeared at demonstrations in countries including France, Italy, Spain and Albania.
- Some participants have clashed with police, damaged property and set fires.
- Political science professor Francis Dupuis-Deri said the tactic began in 1980s Germany and grew out of the autonomia movement.
- The black clothing, helmets and face coverings can make participants harder for police to identify.
- Dupuis-Deri described Black Bloc groups as lacking leaders, hierarchy and official spokespeople.
- He cautioned that Black Bloc clothing and tactics should not be tied to one political ideology, citing past use by right-wing nationalist and neo-Nazi groups.
- An Italian member of the European Parliament said recent vandalism and looting in Milan appeared to involve young people, and said investigators would establish the facts.
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