Six people were arrested after police clashed with protesters in Milan, a host city for the Winter Olympic Games, during the initial day of the events. Thousands marched through the streets of northern Italy to express dissent against a variety of issues, including the escalating cost of living. Some protesters ignited flares and hurled stones at law enforcement, who responded with water cannon.
The unrest comes after the government tightened regulations on protests following a violent demonstration in Turin the previous week that injured over 100 officers. Officials are presently probing instances of alleged sabotage impacting the northern region's railway network.
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini condemned those involved in the Milan clashes, labeling them as 'criminals,' and advocated for a new security framework aimed at bolstering police effectiveness against such disturbances. Most individuals at the Milan protest, however, engaged in peaceful demonstrations, with critics arguing that the Olympic Games are neither environmentally nor socially sustainable. The Winter Olympics, spanning several locations from Milan to Cortina d'Ampezzo, continue until February 22.
The unrest comes after the government tightened regulations on protests following a violent demonstration in Turin the previous week that injured over 100 officers. Officials are presently probing instances of alleged sabotage impacting the northern region's railway network.
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini condemned those involved in the Milan clashes, labeling them as 'criminals,' and advocated for a new security framework aimed at bolstering police effectiveness against such disturbances. Most individuals at the Milan protest, however, engaged in peaceful demonstrations, with critics arguing that the Olympic Games are neither environmentally nor socially sustainable. The Winter Olympics, spanning several locations from Milan to Cortina d'Ampezzo, continue until February 22.
