Tensions flared in Turin during protests against Premier Giorgia Meloni’s government and arms sales to Israel. The student-led demonstrations left around 15 police officers in hospital.
The unrest began in Piazza Castello, outside the city’s prefecture, when protesters attempted to breach a security cordon. A homemade explosive device was reportedly thrown at the police, releasing fumes upon detonation. Students also attacked police vehicles with flagpoles, causing damage outside the local offices of State broadcaster RAI.
Cinema Museum Vandalised
The National Cinema Museum, housed in the iconic Mole Antonelliana, was targeted by protesters who replaced the Italian flag with a Palestinian one at the museum’s entrance. Walls were defaced, and museum staff reported instances of physical aggression.
Enzo Ghigo and Carlo Chatrian, president and director of the museum, condemned the violence, stating: “While it is important to show solidarity with those suffering, actions like these cannot be justified. They harm the cultural fabric of our city.”
Nationwide Protests
It was not just Turin which witnessed protests. Friday saw demonstrations across Italy, with students voicing opposition to Meloni’s education policies, expressing solidarity with Palestine, and denouncing arms sales.
In Milan, a banner depicting Meloni splattered with red paint was displayed. Protesters in Rome marched under slogans such as “No Meloni Day” and “Let’s Free the Country.”
Political Leaders Respond
Premier Giorgia Meloni took to social media to condemn the violence, calling for unity in denouncing such actions. “Scenes of violence and chaos are unacceptable,” she wrote. “Several law enforcement officers were injured by explosive devices. My total solidarity goes to the injured officers, and I hope for their swift recovery. It’s time for certain politicians to unequivocally condemn such disgraceful episodes.”
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi echoed these sentiments, describing the events in Turin as “intolerable acts of violence.” He noted that protesters defied agreed-upon routes and directly targeted government buildings and police officers. Comparing the incident to recent anarchist protests in Bologna, Piantedosi stated, “This time, there was no pretext for the aggression—it was a direct attack on institutions and those protecting them.”
Divided Opinions
The protests have reignited debates over the balance between freedom of expression and public safety. While many condemn the violence, some voices within the opposition have criticised the government’s handling of the unrest. The events underline growing tensions between Italy’s ruling coalition and sectors of its youth, particularly over foreign policy and domestic reforms.
