Lawyers and judges protest justice reforms in Rome

Hundreds of lawyers and some judges in robes marched the streets of Rome on Tuesday to protest justice reforms and court closures formulated by the Italian government. Demonstrators carried a cardboard coffin to signify the death of justice. Banners read, "Those who cancel the right to a trial kill democracy" and "Don't cancel the right to defense". Marchers also wore armbands bearing the colors of the Italian flag and Article 24 of the Italian Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to a defense and the right to act on their own legitimate interests in court. Protest organizers announced they will meet Justice Minister Paola Severino and House Speaker Gianfranco Fini Tuesday afternoon.