Squares under heavy security across Italy: tensions between demonstrators and the police in Rome and Turin
Piantedosi: ‘There will be no free zones’
Following the clashes and the devastation in Milan last weekend, protests are returning to the streets from Turin to Milan, via Rome and on to Castel Volturno: against war, rearmament, the cost of living and the CPRs. Law enforcement agencies are preparing for another day of marches and demonstrations, whilst the Digos and public prosecutors continue to carry out searches in various Italian cities following last week’s violence. In Milan, over 1,400 officers from the police, Carabinieri, Gdf, local police and paratroopers from the Folgore Brigade have been deployed.
“There will be no safe havens, and the state will respond immediately against anyone who thinks they can organise attacks and riots whilst believing they can hide behind a balaclava or the anonymity of social media,” wrote Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi on X.
In Rome, the “Italia Out of the War” march – which set off from Piazza della Repubblica in the early afternoon – has reached the Imperial Forums area. There were tense moments at the entrance as demonstrators entered the Colosseum, involving the monument’s security staff. Outside, the police have taken up positions to secure the entrances. The demonstrators have left the Colosseum and are facing off against the officers, who are standing back to allow them to exit.
In Milan, an anti-fascist demonstration set off from Piazza Castello. The demonstrators are marching through the area around the Castello Sforzesco, chanting “We are all anti-fascists”. Meanwhile, a procession of around 600 demonstrators, mostly university students, set off shortly after 5 pm from Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, in front of the Politecnico di Milano, heading towards the city centre. The demonstration, entitled “Everyone in the Square of Solidarity”, was organised to protest against war, genocide, imperialism and Zionism. The first demonstrators, numbering around 500, had gathered in the square in front of the Polytechnic at around 4 pm for a pro-Palestine rally, carrying Palestinian flags and banners of Potere al Popolo, Rifondazione Comunista, USB, Cambiare Rotta and pro-Palestine organisations. During the march, chants were raised in support of Palestine and against Giorgia Meloni’s government. The march initially proceeded without a police escort, with only one police van present in Piazzale Piola. Upon arrival in Piazza Bernini, officers began to follow the march, which is continuing towards the city centre. Some chants urged people to join the march (“Come on down, join the protest too”). In the Lombard capital, almost all the shops in the city centre are open, from Via Torino to Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. As announced, La Rinascente, near the Duomo, closed in the afternoon. The Apple Store in Piazza Liberty is also closed, as are other shops such as the Foot Locker on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II – which was stormed last week – and the North Face store in the Galleria San Carlo.
Tense moments in Turin between demonstrators and police in riot gear. The police carried out a tactical charge, and objects and firecrackers were thrown from the march. After the first charge, the demonstrators and officers split up. Two further dispersal charges then took place, allowing the police to advance a few metres. Further moments of tension occurred in Piazzetta Reale, next to Piazza Castello. Some of the protesters – a number of whom had their faces covered – were heading towards the Cathedral but were forced to turn back by the police. Then, amid chants against the police, objects were thrown: protesters and officers came into contact, before moving apart again. Two people were detained by the police for questioning. At the head of the march are the ‘autonomous’ protesters, all with their faces uncovered. Families and students are also taking part in the demonstration. A large photograph of Giorgia Meloni was burnt in Piazza Castello. The act was accompanied by slogans and insults directed at the Prime Minister. The march has now set off towards the Giardini Reali. The demonstrators are now marching towards the northern outskirts of the Piedmontese capital.
