Italy - June 25, 2025 A peaceful protest in St. Mark’s Square erupted into chaos as police stormed a theatrical demonstration staged by Extinction Rebellion, targeting the luxury wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez. Two masked figures dressed as brides stood chained to a globe and people labeled “governments”, “the media”, “the economy”, and “justice”. They were seconds from unveiling a massive banner reading “The 1% ru(i)ns the world” when officers charged in. Dozens of peaceful demonstrators were forcibly dragged away. Witnesses described the police response as aggressive and unnecessary. “There was no threat to public order,” said Elisa, one of the protesters. “We were simply voicing dissent. They silenced us with force.” The mock wedding was part of growing outrage over Bezos’ three-day celebration, criticized for its extravagance amid a worsening climate crisis. Protesters argue the world’s richest people are accelerating global warming and eroding democracy. A recent Nature study backs their claims, stating the richest 1% are responsible for nearly 20% of global temperature rise. Protesters also point to billionaire control of media and politics—Bezos himself owns The Washington Post, which he reportedly steered away from publishing views critical of free markets. “This is about justice,” said Angela, another demonstrator. “Venice is drowning. And now it’s hosting a party for the people driving the crisis.” Earlier in the week, activists forced the wedding’s relocation from a symbolic venue by scaling a crane and hanging a banner demanding taxes on the rich. Now, with luxury yachts swarming the lagoon and parties planned in historic palaces, anger continues to mount.