A protest march in central Milan, initially organized to demonstrate against wars and the rising cost of living, turned violent as masked participants began targeting property and law enforcement. What started as a peaceful gathering shifted when demonstrators began throwing paving blocks, stones, and other items at riot police. The rioters also set fire to barricades constructed from bar tables, and images from the scene confirmed significant damage to a carabinieri vehicle.
Authorities deployed tear gas and water cannons in an attempt to disperse the crowds. According to the LaPresse news agency, the clashes resulted in injuries to at least two police officers. Approximately 50 individuals, many of whom were minors, were detained by police in connection with the unrest.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni addressed the violence in a post on social media, stating, "Demonstrating is a right. Setting our cities ablaze is not." She further criticized the perpetrators, describing them as "hooligans who exploit demonstrations to sow chaos, attack those responsible for ensuring security and hold entire cities hostage."
Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala also commented on the situation, noting that while the underlying reasons for the protest were understandable, the actions taken by the rioters were not. "The violence against law enforcement and serious damage to the city are not justifiable," he said.
The unrest in Italy coincided with similar demonstrations taking place in neighboring France, where protesters also took to the streets to rally against rising living costs and express support for grievances held by high school students. French police similarly utilized tear gas and water cannons to break up violent protesters during those events.
