Italian Prime Minister Labels Violent Protesters as ‘Criminals’ After Turin Clashes
Italy’s Prime Minister responded to violent clashes over the weekend in the city of Turin, stating that the government will not tolerate any violence against police or public disorder. She described those responsible for the incidents as criminals.
Giorgia Meloni posted a message on the social media platform X, coinciding with the release of images of injured police officers at the hospital. She said that the individuals participating in these protests came armed with Molotov cocktails, hammers, homemade nail bombs, stones, and sharp tools. She added that these individuals intended to kill security forces and that such behavior cannot be considered civil protest.
According to reports, intense clashes erupted between protesters and police during the large-scale demonstration in Turin. Released videos show some protesters dressed in black confronting police forces and resorting to violence.
These disturbances followed a march in support of the ‘Askatasuna’ social center, which local authorities recently closed down. Experts note that this building had been used for decades by far-left activists.
Italian officials announced that at least 108 security personnel were injured in these events. According to them, protesters threw bottles, stones, homemade bombs, and smoke bombs at police, set fire to trash bins and an armored police vehicle, and used urban furniture and lamp posts as weapons.
