Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has vehemently condemned the ‘gangs of thugs’ responsible for violent protests that marred demonstrations across Italy, including clashes with law enforcement and widespread vandalism. Speaking out on social media, Meloni stated, “Once again, the women and men of the Law Enforcement Forces have had to face the violence of criminals who, even through organized groups, exploit demonstrations to seek confrontation and sow chaos.” She emphasized that police were protecting citizens and businesses, adding, “We stand with you.” The unrest saw significant incidents, particularly outside Milan’s Duomo, where water cannons were deployed to disperse crowds, resulting in the detention of around 50 individuals, including minors, and injuries to at least two officers. Rioters also looted stores and smashed windows in Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Meloni directly addressed political opponents, urging them to “unequivocally condemn these acts of violence and issue a clear appeal for every mobilization to be peaceful,” stressing that “Demonstrating is a right. Setting our cities ablaze is not.” Officials from her Fratelli d’Italia party echoed her sentiments, with Francesco Filini noting, “It is no longer tolerable that every time left-wing extremists take to the streets, scenes of organized destruction unfold. We are dealing with organized groups that plan violence.” While acknowledging the right to protest, Meloni highlighted the disturbing events in Milan, Turin, and Bologna, where stones were thrown at police, officers were injured, and property damage occurred, including the discovery of individuals carrying cobblestones and window-breaking hammers in Turin, and the precautionary closure of Bologna’s railway station due to disorders. Milan’s mayor, Giuseppe Sala, while understanding the protest’s causes, denounced the violence against police and damage to the city as unjustifiable. Reports indicate approximately 100 police officers were injured and around 30 arrests were made nationwide.
Adapted from: Latest World News on Fox News
