Clashes broke out between police and protesters in the northern Italian city of Turin last night after the closure of a social center, in which several police officers were injured, local media reported, quoted by DPA.
According to public television “Rai“ demonstrators set fire to garbage containers and fireworks, and also threw stones and bottles. Police used tear gas and water cannons to restore order, ANSA reported.
According to the agency, seven police officers were injured in the riots, while “Rai“ reported nine casualties.
Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned the violence, stressing that the right to protest must be respected, but the destruction of property and attacks on police officers in the performance of their duties are unacceptable.
Left-wing political figures said the protest was peaceful and expressed disappointment at the escalation of tensions. They said the clashes were the result of the closure of the Askatasuna social centre and the atmosphere of tension and fear that had been created.
The authorities cleared the youth centre a few days ago, after an act of vandalism was committed against the editorial office of the Turin newspaper La Stampa about three weeks ago. According to the investigation, left-wing activists, who are said to have links to the social centre, were involved in the incident. They went from a pro-Palestinian demonstration to the publication's offices, forcibly opened the doors and damaged the premises.