Activists in Venice have launched a series of protests against Amazon's founder Jeff Bezos, who is due to marry fiancée Lauren Sánchez next week in a lavish, multi-million dollar ceremony that could shut parts of the famous city down.
Jeff Bezos is the world's third richest person, with an estimated net worth of $220.9 bn. He is the founder of Amazon and space tech company Blue Origin. Hundreds of high-profile guests are due to descend on Venice between 23 and 28 June for the nuptials, which will reportedly take over the whole island of San Giorgio, opposite St Mark's Square.
Almost all luxury hotels and many water taxis in Venice have been booked for the wedding. The "No Space for Bezos" protest brings together various local activist groups from housing advocates to anti-cruise ship campaigners. On social media, protesters criticised conservative Mayor Luigi Brugnaro, saying he treats residents as a nuisance and sees Venice only as a setting for events that benefit the wealthy.