Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in Rome and other Italian cities over the weekend to protest against the government’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate—one of the strictest in the world. Starting on Oct. 15, the country’s “green pass” vaccine requirement will apply to private and public sector workplaces, with both employers and employees risking significant fines if they do not comply. The vaccine passport is already required to enter restaurants, gyms, theaters, and other establishments as well as domestic flights, bus travel, or long-distance train travel. Some protesters clashed with police as they marched toward Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi’s office. Police responded by deploying water cannons and tear gas. A group tried to break through police lines to get to Draghi’s office, according to footage and pictures were taken at the event, although footage also showed police swinging batons at the demonstrators. Draghi denounced the protesters who clashed with …