Rome, Oct 25: Protests over rising living costs, military expansion and increased arms spending swept across several Italian cities, with clashes between demonstrators and police reported in multiple locations, according to Italian media.
Clashes In Bologna Leave Six Hospitalised
In Bologna, clashes broke out between some demonstrators and police on Saturday evening, the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported. Emergency medical services received 17 calls for assistance, and six people were taken to hospital by ambulance, Xinhua news agency reported.
Police Use Tear Gas In Rome
In Rome, demonstrators set off from Piazza della Repubblica on Saturday afternoon for an anti-war march, according to the ANSA news agency. Clashes erupted between protesters and police in the city centre later in the evening, prompting police to use water cannons and tear gas in an attempt to disperse the crowds.
In Turin, demonstrators protesting mainly against increased military spending and rising fuel prices clashed with police on Saturday evening. Some protesters threw fireworks and bottles at officers, who responded by firing tear gas.
Additional Police Deployed Across Italy
Following demonstrations that escalated into riots and looting last weekend, particularly in Milan, Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi ordered additional police forces to be deployed across the country. The reinforcement was focused particularly on major cities where the largest rallies were expected.
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Meloni Condemns Violence During Protests
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence in a social media post on Saturday evening, stressing the need to protect both peaceful demonstrators and the wider public.
"Everyone's safety must be guaranteed: those who wish to demonstrate peacefully, those who work, and those who want to live in their cities without fear," she said. "We must leave no room for those who seek nothing but confrontation and violence."
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