Six people were arrested in Milan after clashes broke out between police and protesters on the opening day of the Winter Olympic Games, which the northern Italian city is co-hosting.
Thousands of demonstrators gathered in the city on Saturday to protest against a range of issues, including the rising cost of living and the social and environmental impact of the Games. While most of the march remained peaceful, tensions escalated when some protesters set off fireworks and threw stones at police officers. Security forces responded by deploying water cannon to disperse the crowd.
The unrest comes amid tighter protest laws introduced by the Italian government following violent demonstrations in Turin last weekend. According to official figures, more than 100 police officers were injured during those clashes. Over 30 people were arrested after groups armed with improvised weapons confronted police during what began as a peaceful protest against the eviction of an informal social centre.
One police officer was struck with a hammer during the Turin violence, an act Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described as an attempted murder.
In response, a new security package was adopted on Thursday under an accelerated procedure. The measures allow police to detain individuals considered likely to cause disorder for up to 12 hours before a demonstration. While the government says the law is necessary to maintain public order, critics argue it undermines civil liberties.
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini condemned the Milan clashes, describing those involved as “criminals”. He defended the new security rules, saying they would enable authorities to respond more effectively to violent groups.
Despite the incidents, many protesters in Milan expressed their opposition peacefully. Some criticised the Olympic Games as environmentally damaging and socially costly. Organisers argued that promises of sustainability and limited public spending had not been kept, claiming large sums were instead used for road infrastructure across multiple competition sites.
On the same day, major disruption affected parts of northern Italy’s rail network following what authorities described as suspected acts of sabotage. A fire damaged rail infrastructure between Bologna and Venice, causing hours-long delays. Police later discovered severed electrical cables and a rudimentary explosive device near railway tracks.
Additional damage was reported near Pesaro, on the Adriatic coast, where a track switch was set on fire. Bologna’s central station, a key transport hub connecting north-south and east-west routes, was particularly affected. Rail operator RFI said services gradually returned to normal later in the day.
The transport ministry said the incidents bore similarities to acts of vandalism seen at the start of the Paris Olympics in 2024. Salvini, who also serves as transport minister, said the events would not damage Italy’s international reputation and insisted the Games would project a positive image of the country.
The Winter Olympic Games run until 22 February and are being held across several locations, including Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Livigno, Bormio and venues in the Dolomite and Alpine regions.
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