Edward Marchesi Around 9:00 PM last night, the Monastir emergency reception center was the scene of a violent brawl between two groups of migrants, one of Algerian origin and the other Afghan. The combatants used iron bars, sticks, and other sharp objects, causing panic among the staff and requiring immediate emergency intervention.
Details of the clash and the response of the police
Authorities were alerted by a 112 call, which brought Carabinieri from the local station to the scene. Upon their arrival, the officers worked to restore calm, separate the two rival groups, and put an end to the use of improvised weapons.
Among the agitators, a 25-year-old Algerian man was identified, who suffered several head injuries during the fight and was charged with aggravated brawling . The man was arrested and placed in handcuffs.
The role of ambulances and first aid
At the same time, 118 ambulances intervened to provide assistance to three people: the arrested young man, still injured, and two other migrants who suffered minor injuries.
The injured were transported to the emergency rooms of Cagliari hospitals for prompt treatment.
Consequences, overcrowding and institutional demands
The incident is part of a growing tension within the center, which has long been considered an overcrowded powder keg . Capacity far exceeds its limits, making it difficult for staff to manage such a large number of problematic individuals . Staff members report precarious working conditions and a lack of adequate resources.
Mayor Paola Ugas's requests
Faced with this emergency, Mayor Paola Ugas attended a meeting at the Prefecture, where she raised several requests: strengthening surveillance in the area, improving coordination between the various security agencies, and establishing dedicated ARST lines to transport migrants to Cagliari. The stated goal is "to allow people to reach the capital without crossing the town and reduce transit through the municipality," with the understanding that the safety and security of the citizens of Monastir are always our priority.
Meanwhile, local authorities continue to monitor the situation, evaluating further restrictive measures and control operations to prevent similar incidents. The police intervention and the municipal administration's requests demonstrate the complexity of managing a reception center that, in addition to providing humanitarian assistance, must address social tensions and public order concerns.