Violent protests in Italy, worst clashes in Milan
Masked youths hurled pyrotechnics at police at the Duomo; at least 4 officers and 20 protesters injured, more than 50 arrested.
Violent demonstrations erupted across Italy as protests over the rising cost of living turned confrontational — the largest clashes took place in Milan, where masked young men in black attacked police at the central Duomo square with pyrotechnics and set up barricades.
Clashes spread to several northern cities
In Milan police were initially forced to withdraw and wait for reinforcements after the group targeted officers with fireworks and projectiles. At least four police officers and 20 protesters were injured in the city, authorities said. More than 50 people were arrested, half of them minors.
Similar violent incidents were reported in other cities, including Turin, Bologna and Bergamo, where demonstrators also threw stones and pyrotechnic devices at police.
Giorgia Meloni, Italy's prime minister, condemned the violence. Milan's left-leaning mayor Giuseppe Sala also denounced the unrest, while acknowledging the public's grievances.
"The reasons for the protest were understandable. But the violence against the police and the large damage caused to the city cannot be justified," Sala said.
Protests have been driven by widespread anger over inflation, high fuel prices and a severe housing crisis in major cities that has hit low- and middle-income households especially hard.
Photo: Printskrin
