Six people have been arrested after police clashed with protesters in Milan, one of the hosts of the Winter Olympic Games, during the first day of the competition. Thousands took to the streets of the city in northern Italy on Saturday to protest against a range of issues including the cost of living. Some fired flares and threw stones at police, who responded with water cannon. It comes after the government tightened protest laws in the wake of a demonstration last weekend in Turin that left more than 100 officers injured, according to government figures.
Meanwhile, officials are investigating suspected sabotage on northern Italy's railway network, which added to the chaos on the first day of the Olympics. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini condemned the protesters involved in the riots, labeling them 'criminals' and emphasizing the need for increased security measures in response to rising violence during demonstrations. Despite the unrest, many peaceful protesters voiced concerns about the environmental sustainability of the Olympic Games, indicating a divide between athletes, officials, and the activists demanding change. The Winter Olympics are scheduled to run until February 22 across various locations in Italy.
Meanwhile, officials are investigating suspected sabotage on northern Italy's railway network, which added to the chaos on the first day of the Olympics. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini condemned the protesters involved in the riots, labeling them 'criminals' and emphasizing the need for increased security measures in response to rising violence during demonstrations. Despite the unrest, many peaceful protesters voiced concerns about the environmental sustainability of the Olympic Games, indicating a divide between athletes, officials, and the activists demanding change. The Winter Olympics are scheduled to run until February 22 across various locations in Italy.
