On Friday, clashes erupted in Turin, Italy, between police officers and students protesting against the far-right government of Giorgia Meloni. At least 15 police officers were hospitalized due to injuries sustained during the demonstrations. The protests were part of a series of events held nationwide under the banner of 'No Meloni Day.'
In Turin, the confrontations turned violent when a rudimentary explosive device was used, causing injuries to the officers exposed to its fumes. The students, who were particularly critical of the Meloni government's education policies, attempted to breach a security cordon outside the prefecture building in Piazza Castello.
Protests in other cities like Rome and Milan also saw significant unrest. In Milan, a photo of Meloni was defaced with blood-red paint, while in Rome, demonstrators chanted anti-Meloni slogans. Some protests also included messages of solidarity with Gaza and opposition to arms sales to Israel.
During the clashes in Turin, flagpoles were used to attack police vehicles, and an effigy of the education minister was set on fire. At the museum of cinema in Turin, the Italian tricolor flag was replaced with a Palestinian flag, symbolizing support for the people of Gaza.
In response to the violence, Meloni condemned the actions of the protesters, labeling them as 'usual troublemakers.' She expressed solidarity with the injured officers and called for an end to the violence, urging politicians to unequivocally denounce such acts.
