Violence at Milan cost-of-living march: police car badly damaged, about 50 detained

As part of ongoing protests in Italy, a march against wars and rising living costs in central Milan turned violent on Saturday. Protesters clashed with police, looted stores and set property on fire. A carabinieri car was badly damaged in the unrest.

Play video: Violence at Milan cost-of-living march: police car badly damaged, about 50 detained (Duration 1:49)

A peaceful march turns into clashes

The march began peacefully. Masked protesters then threw stones, paving blocks and other objects at riot police and set fire to barricades made from bar tables. Piazza del Duomo and a luxury shopping arcade, normally full of shoppers, were emptied. Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowds.

Injuries and detentions

At least two police officers were injured. About 50 demonstrators, many of them minors, were detained.

Reactions from Meloni and Sala

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence. In a post, she said demonstrating is a right and criticized the violence, blaming those who turn demonstrations into chaos, attack those responsible for security and hold entire cities hostage.

Demonstrating is a right. Setting our cities ablaze is not.

Giorgia Meloni

Milan's center-left mayor, Giuseppe Sala, said the reasons for the protests were understandable, but that violence against law enforcement and serious damage to the city could not be justified.

Similar demonstrations across Europe

The unrest coincided with nationwide demonstrations in neighboring France against rising living costs. French police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse violent protesters who joined the rallies.