Rome media told to up security amid terror alert

Media outlets in Rome have been told to tighten security against possible attacks by Islamic extremists after 12 people working for the French satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo, were shot dead last week.

Published: 15 January 2015 09:11 CET

Rome media told to up security amid terror alert

Media outlets in Rome have been told to tighten security against possible terror attacks. Photo: Surveillance camera: Shutterstock

The office of Rome’s prosecutor said reception areas in media offices should be guarded and metal detectors installed, while CCTV cameras should be linked to police nerve centres, Ansa reported.

Security has also been boosted at other “sensitive places” in Rome in the wake of the attacks, including the Vatican, embassies, monuments and places of worship.

Meanwhile, up to 20 people in Italy are being investigated for their alleged links to extremist groups in Iraq and Syria, Italian media reported on Wednesday.

Authorities began tracking the movement of the individuals after coming across online conversations of an extremist nature.

On Sunday, a German tabloid that reprinted cartoons from Charlie Hebdo lampooning the Prophet Muhammad was targeted in a firebombing.