ON
← Back to feed
Spin Time, the solidarity of Ken Loach: "I remember our meeting, Bella ciao has never been so beautiful". 120 people relocated
Italy🏛️ PoliticsLean Progressive13 days ago

Spin Time, the solidarity of Ken Loach: "I remember our meeting, Bella ciao has never been so beautiful". 120 people relocated

The article discusses the ongoing situation at Spin Time, a squat in Rome that was evacuated after an arson incident. The local government has arranged temporary housing for 120 residents, prioritizing vulnerable families, while approximately 150 others remain in the area, refusing to relocate. The Municipality of Rome proposed purchasing the property from the company that sold it in 2004, but this offer was rejected due to concerns over the building’s habitability. Meanwhile, activists from Spin Time report that most displaced individuals have been moved away from the Esquilino district, despite requests to keep the community together. A meeting is scheduled between Spin Time representatives and city officials to address housing solutions. British filmmaker Ken Loach expressed solidarity with the residents, recalling their shared experiences and praising their community spirit.

The deal for the Spin Time building to be acquired by Rome’s municipal authorities has collapsed, leaving its occupants and activists in deep disappointment. The proposed public purchase was abandoned after negotiations with the property owner failed, and the future of the occupied structure remains uncertain. Representatives of the building, which have been in a permanent protest outside since more than a week, chose not to make official statements. According to the Agi, Paolo Perrini, considered the heart of Spin Time and its president, left in tears. Silence also surrounds the city's institutions: Mayor Roberto Gualtieri arrived in his car without responding to journalists waiting outside. The talks with the property owners broke down because the latter placed a veto against an agreement that would have allowed the residents to gradually return to the building while awaiting the sale’s resolution. This information was shared by militants with those gathered in front of the Palazzo di Via Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, where the protest continues. The situation has escalated following an incident that led to the building being cleared and under seizure after an arson attack. The municipality had previously offered to buy the property from Investire, the company that sold it in 2004. However, this offer was rejected, citing that a site inspection would confirm the building's unsuitability for habitation. Meanwhile, the FDI claims that the Ministry of Interior concluded there were insufficient grounds for legality and safety to allow entry. As a result, the people remain on the streets without clear alternatives. Most of those relocated so far have been moved away from the Esquilino district, despite requests to keep the community together, especially to ensure continuity in children's education. Of the seven identified temporary accommodations, three are located beyond the Ring Road. In Via Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, approximately 150 individuals, including some children and elderly, continue to sleep outdoors near the Spin Time building. Many former occupants refuse to move, preferring to stay in their neighborhood where they work and have built personal connections, and have declined alternative housing options. Tomorrow, August 11, at 5 p.m., another meeting is scheduled at the City Hall between Spin Time representatives and officials responsible for housing policies, Tobia Zevi, and social policies, Barbara Funari, to manage the transition process and the demobilization of the protest. Spin Time insists the protest will continue until every individual has a roof over their head. Ken Loach, the director and activist, has expressed solidarity with the Spin Time community. In a letter, he wrote, “I was very upset to learn of the fire at Spin Time, the subsequent eviction, and the terrible consequences it has brought: living on the street must be really difficult for everyone, especially for the youngest.” He recalled a previous meeting with the activists, saying, “I remember with great pleasure our encounter, the ideas we shared, and the songs we sang: Bella Ciao has never sounded so beautiful to me. I could see that your community is creative and driven by generous spirit, based on the principles of sharing and compassion.” An artwork by Laika appeared in Rome overnight between August 9 and 10, in Via Po 16A, facing the headquarters of Investire, the former owner of the building occupied by Spin Time until July 31. The piece, created using one of the tents used by the activists, depicts a girl holding a shield bearing the Spin Time logo, pierced by three arrows symbolizing speculation, repression, and abandonment. “I want to send a message to the property owners,” says the artist. “The fight for Spin Time does not stop. You will find tents everywhere if needed. Ending this experience would mean killing a wonderful example of urban regeneration, a project offering a concrete response to the social and cultural deficiencies of Rome. We cannot allow that. Spin Time must return to public ownership! All my support goes to the inhabitants and activists who resist.” For Laika, Spin Time represents much more than just a building.

Go to the primary sources (3)

The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.

3 reports

la Repubblica logola RepubblicaIndependent🔒ProgressiveFactual 92Objective 8520 days ago
The prison in front of Spin Time

The article discusses the situation at Spin Time, an abandoned building in Rome occupied over thirteen years ago by up to four hundred people of various nationalities and religions. The building has become a hub for community life, offering social services, medical care, after-school programs, and cultural activities. Recently, due to a controlled fire incident, authorities sealed off the building, forcing hundreds of residents, including elderly individuals, sick people, and more than a hundred minors, to sleep outside. Artists and activists have mobilized to support the residents, emphasizing the importance of preserving this unique space as a symbol of solidarity and democratic values. Despite efforts by local communities to provide aid, there is currently no clear plan from institutions to resolve the crisis.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the eviction of Spin Time’s residents as a threat to democracy and highlights the contrast between the community’s self-managed, inclusive model and the government’s approach, which is described as focused on 'cleansing' rather than addressing the underlying issues. The tone is in

Why factuality (92): This article closely mirrors the primary source document, providing details about the occupation of Spin Time, the role of Roberto Saviano, and the current conditions of those living outside the building. It accurately describes the history of the building and the community efforts, with minimal dev

Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a neutral tone, focusing on facts and quotes from activists and Saviano. While it expresses concern for the residents, it does so through descriptive language rather than overtly emotional or biased phrasing.

Open logoOpenIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 6017 days ago
Spin Time, no acquisition of the City of Rome.

The attempt by the City of Rome to acquire the Spin Time building has failed, leaving the future of the occupied site uncertain. The negotiations between the city and the property owners collapsed after the latter rejected a proposed transitional agreement allowing occupants to gradually return to the building while the final sale was being finalized. This decision has led to disappointment among activists and the building’s representatives, who had been occupying the site for over a week. Paolo Perrini, president of Spin Time, reportedly left the scene in tears, while Mayor Roberto Gualtieri avoided answering journalists’ questions as he departed. Activists continue their permanent protest outside the building at Via Santa Croce in Gerusalemme.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a failed negotiation involving local government and private property, which is inherently political. However, the tone remains neutral, presenting both the failure of the deal and the reactions of involved parties without overtly favoring any side. No clear ideological framing

Why factuality (80): The article discusses the failed attempt by the municipality to acquire Spin Time and the emotional response of activists. It provides information about the lack of progress and the silence from officials, but omits some specific details present in the primary source, such as the exact timeline of e

Why objectivity (60): The tone is more emotionally charged, particularly in describing the emotional reactions of Paolo Perrini and the silence from officials. This suggests a potential bias toward portraying the situation as unresolved and politically indifferent.

Il Fatto Quotidiano logoIl Fatto QuotidianoIndependentProgressiveFactual 78Objective 6513 days ago
Spin Time, the solidarity of Ken Loach: "I remember our meeting, Bella ciao has never been so beautiful". 120 people relocated

The article discusses the ongoing situation at Spin Time, a squat in Rome that was evacuated after an arson incident. The local government has arranged temporary housing for 120 residents, prioritizing vulnerable families, while approximately 150 others remain in the area, refusing to relocate. The Municipality of Rome proposed purchasing the property from the company that sold it in 2004, but this offer was rejected due to concerns over the building’s habitability. Meanwhile, activists from Spin Time report that most displaced individuals have been moved away from the Esquilino district, despite requests to keep the community together. A meeting is scheduled between Spin Time representatives and city officials to address housing solutions. British filmmaker Ken Loach expressed solidarity with the residents, recalling their shared experiences and praising their community spirit.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the eviction and displacement of Spin Time residents through a lens of social justice and human rights, emphasizing the vulnerability of those affected and the lack of alternatives. It highlights the role of activist groups and the municipality’s efforts, while questioning the合法性(

Why factuality (78): The article reports on the situation at Spin Time, including the temporary relocation of 120 people and the rejection of Rome’s purchase offer. It references the involvement of the City Council and the social protection office, aligning with the primary source document. However, it includes some sub

Why objectivity (65): The tone leans towards sympathy for the residents, using phrases like 'una brutta sorpresa' and emphasizing the hardship faced by families. The article also frames the government actions in a somewhat negative light, suggesting bias.

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories