Dozens of single-use isothermal and regular blankets were spread across the ground in Trieste's central Sant'Antonio Square, where residents gathered to sleep on the night of August 28.

The protest, titled 'Dormire è resistere?' ('Sleeping is resisting?'), was organized by members of various associations working with migrants, along with Greenpeace, scouts, and other groups.

The event aimed to raise awareness about the large number of migrants who have recently arrived in Trieste via the Balkan Route and are now sleeping on the streets, primarily in Libertà Square in front of the railway station.

Also read: Italy: Number of unaccompanied children on the move has doubled

'Ever more migrants sleeping rough'

The participants called on the municipality to provide sleeping facilities for 50 to 100 people, giving migrants a place to sleep other than on the streets. The event organizer, Sara Porcile, highlighted that a grain storehouse previously used by some migrants had been closed, stating that "no solution has been found, and the situation has worsened" regarding migrants sleeping on the city streets.

She explained that those who had been sleeping in the storehouse "all had access to the reception system, but the problem arose afterward."

Currently, migrants arriving in the city are often sent to other centers, but there is sometimes not enough space, forcing them to remain in the city. Additionally, she noted that "nothing has been done for those in transit — they are ghosts."

The organizers of the event reported that 140 people, including women and children, had been sleeping in Libertà Square.

Also read: 391 migrants 'abandoned' in Italy's Trieste, say associations

Residents want 'dignity' for themselves and others

Flyers were distributed during the event, calling for "dignity" to be restored to those sleeping rough "as well as to our city."

The initiative aimed, in part, to help residents understand what migrants experience when sleeping on the streets and to foster greater empathy for them. The slogan was: "There are people forced to sleep in the streets? Then we will do it too."

Currently, 1,500 migrants are waiting for a response from the state regarding their requests for humanitarian protection or asylum. Many of them are Afghans and Pakistanis, including a significant number of unaccompanied minors. All are people in very difficult situations who have endured various forms of violence.

Brawls and violence by gangs 'out of control'

There have recently been incidents negatively impacting public order, some involving youths from Kosovo. The city, which was considered entirely calm until a few years ago, has seen several incidents involving knives and -- in one case -- a taser, raising serious concerns.

Acting Chief Prosecutor Federico Frezza expressed his concern in recent days about many roaming gangs that were "out of control."

Also read: Migrants abandoned in Trieste's 'Silo of Shame'