Milan Anti-Olympics Protest Escalates; Italy Probes Railway Sabotage
In Milan, Italy, a peaceful protest against the Olympic Games escalated into violence on Saturday night. Initially organized by the Unsustainable Olympics Committee, demonstrators voiced concerns about the environmental and social implications of the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics. However, as darkness fell, tensions flared, leading to clashes with police.
Milan Anti-Olympics Protest Escalates
The protest began peacefully in the afternoon, with participants marching through the city, singing and dancing. Groups from Milan, Lombardy, and other northern regions joined in, rallying against what they consider harmful impacts of the Olympics. Notably, the march was supported by a diverse coalition of grassroots organizations, including sports groups, environmental activists, and unions.
Violence Breaks Out
The demonstration turned chaotic later in the evening. Some protesters began targeting police and their vehicles, prompting law enforcement to respond with tear gas and water cannons. Protesters also threw firecrackers and smoke bombs near the Olympic Village.
- Peaceful march began in Piazza Medaglie d’Oro.
- Protests occurred near the secured Olympic Village.
- Demonstrators eventually clashed with police at Piazzale Corvetto.
Not all protesters engaged in the violence; many remained in the main area during the clashes. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violent actions, describing the protesters as “enemies of Italy.”
Investigations into Railway Sabotage
In a separate but related incident, Italian authorities are investigating significant disruptions on railway networks in northern Italy. Three severe incidents, including damage to the Bologna railway lines, raised suspicions of orchestrated sabotage.
- Explosive device found on the Bologna-Padova line.
- Electrical cables severed on a high-speed line.
- A fire was set at an electrical station in Pesaro.
Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini criticized these acts, calling them “an act of delinquency.” He emphasized the seriousness of possible premeditated attacks during the Olympic events.
Conclusion
As Milan welcomes the Winter Olympics, tensions between protesters and authorities reveal deep divisions over the Games’ impact on society. The ongoing investigations into potential sabotage further complicate the situation, leaving the Italian government grappling with both public dissent and safety concerns.
