Violent clashes erupt during protests in northern Italy

Photo taken on Oct. 17, 2026 shows violent clashes during protests near the central station of Bologna, Italy. (Xinhua)

ROME, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Protests against the rising cost of living turned violent on Saturday in several northern Italian cities, including Milan, Bologna and Turin, leaving dozens of people injured, according to Italian media reports.

In Milan, hundreds of young people dressed in black besieged Piazza del Duomo in the city center, throwing firecrackers and bottles at police. At least four police officers and 20 protesters were injured in the clashes, and about 50 demonstrators were detained in the city, according to the Italian news agency ANSA.

In Bologna, police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowds. Four minors were arrested, and 36 law enforcement officers were injured or suffered bruises in the clashes, ANSA reported, citing a police update.

In Turin, police detained 12 people, including 10 minors, following clashes with protesters, local media reported.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence in a social media post on Saturday evening, saying, "Demonstrating is a right. Setting our cities ablaze is not."

Photo taken on Oct. 17, 2026 shows violent clashes during protests near the central station of Bologna, Italy. Protests against the rising cost of living turned violent on Saturday in several northern Italian cities, including Milan, Bologna and Turin, leaving dozens of people injured, according to Italian media reports. (Xinhua)