Rome, Feb 1, (dpa/GNA) – More than 100 security forces were injured, during protests against the closure of a left-wing cultural centre in the northern Italian city of Turin, authorities said on Sunday.
Ten people were detained during the clashes between police and demonstrators on Saturday. There was initially no information on the number of protesters hurt. Arrest warrants have been issued against two people.
The protests were directed against the eviction of the Askatasuna cultural centre, which has been a meeting place for Turin’s left-wing scene for decades. The facility was closed shortly before Christmas.
An estimated 15,000 people took part in a demonstration through the city centre on Saturday. Numerous Palestinian flags were also on display.
Eventually, riots broke out. Stones, Molotov cocktails and other objects were thrown at police from the crowd and rubbish bins were set on fire. A police van was also set alight.
Security forces responded with tear gas and water cannon to disperse the crowd. One demonstrator was taken away with head injuries. A video shows a police officer lying on the ground being kicked and beaten by masked individuals, including with a hammer.
Authorities said the 29-year-old male officer sustained serious injuries, but is not in critical condition.
The Italian far-right government condemned the riots as “an attack on the state,” while Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni accused the rioters of attempted homicide.
Left-wing activists have repeatedly accused the Meloni administration of cracking down on left-wing establishments, while failing to act when right-wingers occupy houses.
GNA